Here we review the available literature supporting the routine and timely use of external patient warming devices of all possible types during emergency department and peri-operative situations, including the role of best ambient temperature, and provides a best-practice statement on the need for such devices. It aims to present a guideline document endorsed by the major South African professio...

BACKGROUND The induction of anesthesia is one of the most stressful moments for a child who must undergo surgery: it is estimated that 60% of children suffer anxiety in the preoperative period. Preoperative anxiety is characterized by subjective feelings of tension, apprehension, nervousness, and worry. These reactions reflect the child's fear of separation from parents and home environment, as...

BACKGROUND As a cost-saving measure, an increasing number of hospitals allow personnel to launder their uniforms, lab coats, and operating room scrubs at home. With rising nosocomial infection rates and increasing levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospital settings, uniform contamination may be an environmental factor in the spread of infection. METHODS We quantified the number and id...

BACKGROUND Academic partnerships between high- and low/middle-income countries can improve the quality of surgical education and health care delivery in each setting. We report the perceived needs related to collaborative surgical education in a resource-limited setting. METHODS We used qualitative methods to elicit the opinions of surgical faculty members and surgical residents and quantitat...

UNLABELLED BACKGROUND Even though the use of perioperative checklists have resulted in significant reduction in postoperative mortality and morbidity, as well as improvements of important information communication, the utilization of checklists seems to vary, and perceived barriers are likely to influence compliance. In this grounded theory study we aimed to explore the challenges and strate...

The relationship between exposure to trace concentrations of waste anesthetic gases in the operating room and the possible development of adverse health effects has concerned health care professionals for numerous years. Results of studies have been conflicting. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, some US and European epidemiological studies of operating room personnel showed an increase in the ...

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation request from West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, to evaluate noise exposures from surgical instruments in the OR. Four surgical technologists, four RNs, and one surgeon wore noise dosimeters to measure full-shift personal noise exposures during two days while they performed typical daily act...

BACKGROUND Operating theatre personnel are at increased risk for transmission of blood borne pathogens when passing sharp instruments. The hands-free technique, whereby a tray or other means are used to eliminate simultaneous handling of sharp instruments, has been recommended. AIMS To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the hands-free technique in reducing the incidence of percutaneo...

INTRODUCTION The importance of effective communication, a key component of teamwork, is well recognised in the healthcare setting. Establishing a culture that encourages and empowers team members to speak openly in the cardiothoracic (CT) operating room (OR) is necessary to improve patient safety in this high-risk environment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will take place at Barnes-Jewish H...

BACKGROUND Unexpected surgical cancellation is common and can have significant adverse effects. Cancellation rates vary because of a lack of a standard definition, different patient populations and study methodology. We hypothesized that case cancellation has a different pattern in a dedicated ambulatory surgical center compared to a general operating room (OR) setting in a large academic cente...