Adherence to recommendations designed to decrease intra-operative wound contamination.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of wound infection following total hip and knee arthroplasty has fallen with the introduction of laminar vertical laminar airflow, occlusive clothing and prophylactic antibiotics. However, infection still occurs after prosthetic joint replacement and can have devastating consequences. Intra-operative wound contamination is the major source of infection. Measures proven to decrease intra-operative wound contamination include chlorhexidine lavage, removal of jewellery, covering old jewellery, ears, nose, mouth and hair and wearing theatre clothing in an occlusive manner.


METHODS
Posters explaining this practice were placed at eye level in the scrub area of orthopaedic theatres and adoption of these techniques was observed covertly before and after.


RESULTS
Eighty-two personnel were audited before the poster was erected and 90 afterwards. Only 2 of 12 observed standards were adhered to 100% of the time.


CONCLUSIONS
Education by posters did not significantly improve adherence to protocols. Compliance with protocols was worse amongst non-scrubbed theatre personnel.
Mackain-Bremner
Alice A
AA
Avon Orthopaedic Centre, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, UK. ashley.blom@nbt.nhs.uk
Owens
Kate
K
Wylde
Vikki
V
Bannister
Gordon C
GC
Blom
Ashley W
AW
D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards*; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000592:standards; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D008485:Medical Audit; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000592:standards*; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000592:standards; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*