An audit of pre-operative skin preparative methods

Title: An audit of pre-operative skin preparative methods
Creator: McGrath, Daniel R.; McCrory, D.
Relation: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England Vol. 87, no. 5, p. 366-368
Publisher: Royal College of Surgeons of England
Resource Type: journal article
Date: 2005
Description: INTRODUCTION A study into how pre-operative skin preparation varies between surgical units and surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS A postal audit of general, vascular and thoracic surgeons in Northern Ireland was conducted together with a literature review to establish best practice. RESULTS Overall, 73 surgeons were contacted, and 63 (86.3%) responded. There was marked variation in shaving of the operative site. A wide range of solutions was used, and 14 different sequences were employed. All surgeons used a swab or sponge to apply the solutions. Several drying methods were employed. CONCLUSIONS There is variation in the method of skin preparation employed between surgical units and surgeons. There is limited evidence-based research on this topic. Recommendations are made as to best practice.
Subject: pre-operative methods; skin preparation; disinfection; betadine; operation sites
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/25277
Identifier: uon:446
Identifier: ISSN:0035-8843
Language: eng
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