It is important that all those involved in surgical procedures, from doctors and nurses to patients, to have an in-depth knowledge of operating roomprotocols. This will promote a better cooperation between medical personnel and a better understanding of those undergoing surgical interventions. Following are some of the most important things you should know about OR protocols.

– The Basics: The term “operating suite”, commonly known as an operating room or an OR, refers to the entire area where both surgical procedures are performed and where medical equipment is prepared and stored. The operating room should ideally be located in a more isolated area of a hospital, so as to keep out heavy traffic and to avoid any annoyances towards patients and medical personnel. It is also advisable for an OR to be located near elevators, so as to ease access in case of emergencies. What is more, an OR should ideally be located close to laboratories, X-ray areas, and other service utilities, in case any emergency investigation or analysis needs to be performed.

– OR Layout: For an effective traffic control, it is recommended that operating rooms have a design made up of four main areas. This type of layout should be implemented any where possible, as it reduces to a minimum the risk of infections. The four areas are the interchange area, the semi-restricted area, the restricted area, and the dirty area. The interchange area is composed of patient reception rooms, post-anesthesia rooms, lockers, lounges, and offices of the supervisor or chief of anesthesiology. The semi-restricted area is comprised of utility closets, the anesthesia workroom, and linen rooms. The restricted area is meant for any procedures which have to be performed in sterile conditions: the scrub area, the pre-anesthesia room, and the area where the actual surgical interventions take place. The dirty area is used to deposit used materials in order to package them for appropriatedisposal.

– Major OR Protocols: The most important thing during an OR procedure is to ensure that all surgical interventions are performed in a sterile environment. For this purpose, all persons entering the restricted area of an OR have to wear protective equipment. This equipment consists of scrubs, caps, gloves, masks, and covered shoes. Additionally, medical personnel involved in the surgical act, such as nurses, surgeons, and theanesthesiologist are required to thoroughly wash before entering the operating room. The washing of the hands should last for at least 15 minutes and should be done using an antibacterial liquid or soap. For eliminating the risk of infections, it is also mandatory that all reusable material is thoroughly sterilized after each surgery, before being able to use it in another intervention.

These are just some of the most important OR protocols that all those involved in the surgical act should know and adhere to. The great thing about them is that they are easy to learn and put into practice; and the benefits of following OR protocols are undeniable: better communication between doctors and patients, and minimal risks of complications during surgery.

For more information, please visit our O.R. Protocols website.

For more information, please visit our O.R. Protocols website http://www.hipaaexams.com/introduction-to-the-operating-room.html

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our O.R. Protocols website.

Category: Advice
Keywords: O.R. Protocols