Effectiveness of the hands-free technique in reducing operating theatre injuries.

ABSTRACT:

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 percutaneous injuries, contaminations, and glove tears arising from handling sharp instruments.

Methods

For each of 3765 operations carried out in main and surgical day care operating theatres in a large urban hospital, over six months, circulating nurses recorded the proportion of use of the hands-free technique during each operation, as well as other features of the operation. The hands-f

SUBMITTER: Stringer B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1740223 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature