Hand hygiene practices of health care workers in the operating theater: an observational study

الملخص

Healthcare Associated infections (HCAIs) remain to be a major health concern. Nonetheless, there is a few data showing the adherence on hand-hygiene practices in OT. Objective: The purpose of this study is to present and show the real picture of the hand-hygiene practices inside the operating theater of Al-Bayda Medical Center in September 2022. This will serve as a baseline data for any intervention necessary. Methods: This is an observational qualitative study including the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and scrub nurses who are participating in the surgical procedures and must perform surgical hand washing before the surgery. Using a formulated checklist, each OT staff were observed while the observers are simultaneously recording the results. Results: 34 doctors and 16 nurses were covertly observed. The age group of 21-30 and 31-40 comprise the majority of the respondents, which is 18 (36%) and 16 (32%), respectively; 29 are female and 21 are male. 34 out of 50 respondents are married. 26 of the respondents graduated from their college course; Eight (16%) are post-graduate. The rest are vocational (14) and high school (2) graduates, which are the nurses. 96% of respondents correctly wear and tuck scrubs suit, wear cap and mask.7 out of 50 are wearing ring. 11 touched the sink and/or their clothing touched the sink and even got wet at least once. 14 of the respondents turned off after they have wet their hands.42 respondents held their hands higher than the elbow. .