Safety First: Standard Precautions in the Operating Department.
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Safety First: Standard Precautions in the Operating Department.
Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………2
What are Standard Precautions…………………………………………………………….2
When are Standard Precautions used.........................................................................3
Who do Standard Precautions affect in the Operating Department.............................4
What methods are used in Standard Precautions………………………………………..5
Author’s Experience………………………………………………………………………….8
Summary……………………………………………………………………………………...9
References………………..…………………………………………………………………11
Safety First: Standard Precautions in the Operating Department.
Introduction.
In this assignment, the author will discuss the role of the Operating Department Practitioner (O.D.P) in relation to the use of Standard Precautions and how this is applied in practice. In discussing this topic the author will cover; * What are Standard Precautions? * When are Standard Precautions used? * Who do Standard Precautions affect in the Operating Theatre? * What are the methods used in Standard Precautions?
The author will also look at the local and national policies surrounding Standard Precautions and how this is linked to other clinical issues, such as hand washing, sharps and the wider topic of Infection Control.
What are standard precautions?
Standard Precautions were introduced under the name ‘universal precautions’ in the U.S.A in the 1980’s as a guide to protect health workers from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis viruses. It is the concept that all bodily fluids are assumed to be infectious and the necessary, protective precautions are taken (McCulloch et al 2000). There are several reasons why this was an important step towards what is now considered effective infection control in a clinical setting; firstly, it minimises the risk of infection to either the health care worker or patient. Secondly, it meant that patients are not discriminated
Safety First: Standard Precautions in the Operating Department.
Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………2
What are Standard Precautions…………………………………………………………….2
When are Standard Precautions used.........................................................................3
Who do Standard Precautions affect in the Operating Department.............................4
What methods are used in Standard Precautions………………………………………..5
Author’s Experience………………………………………………………………………….8
Summary……………………………………………………………………………………...9
References………………..…………………………………………………………………11
Safety First: Standard Precautions in the Operating Department.
Introduction.
In this assignment, the author will discuss the role of the Operating Department Practitioner (O.D.P) in relation to the use of Standard Precautions and how this is applied in practice. In discussing this topic the author will cover; * What are Standard Precautions? * When are Standard Precautions used? * Who do Standard Precautions affect in the Operating Theatre? * What are the methods used in Standard Precautions?
The author will also look at the local and national policies surrounding Standard Precautions and how this is linked to other clinical issues, such as hand washing, sharps and the wider topic of Infection Control.
What are standard precautions?
Standard Precautions were introduced under the name ‘universal precautions’ in the U.S.A in the 1980’s as a guide to protect health workers from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis viruses. It is the concept that all bodily fluids are assumed to be infectious and the necessary, protective precautions are taken (McCulloch et al 2000). There are several reasons why this was an important step towards what is now considered effective infection control in a clinical setting; firstly, it minimises the risk of infection to either the health care worker or patient. Secondly, it meant that patients are not discriminated
References: Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (2005). AORN Guidance Statement: Sharps Injury Prevention in the Perioperative Setting. http://www.aorn.org/docs_assets/55B250E0-9779-5C0D-1DDC8177C9B4C8EB/A33331A5-17A4-49A8-866909AF7F01B91D/AGS_Sharps_Injury_Prevention_in_the_Perioperative_Setting.pdf (14/05/10) Ayliffe,G.A.J, Rabb,J.R, Taylor. L.J (1999). Hospital Aquired Infection – Principles and Procedures, 3rd ed. Oxford. Butterworth Hienemann. Bernthal, L. (2000). Two Gloves or Not Two Gloves That is the Question. British Journal of Perioperative Nursing 10 (2) 102 – 107. http://www.afpp.org.uk/books-journals/journal_archive/search?keywords=bernthal&more=&x=26&y=8. (14/05/10) Expert Advisory Group on AIDS and the Advisory Group on Hepatitis (1998). Guidance for Clinical Health Care Workers; protection against infection with blood borne viruses. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyandGuidance/DH_4002766 (07/05/10). Health Professions Council (2008). Operating Department Practitioners Standards of Proficiency. The Health Professions Council. McCulloch. J. et al (2000) Infection Control – Science, Management and Practice. London and Philadelphia. Whurr Publishers. Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (2009). Hand Hygiene Policy. [Policy]. Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (2009). Infection Prevention and Control Policy. [Policy]. Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. World Health Organization (2009). WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care, First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care is Safer Care. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241597906_eng.pdf. (14/05/10).