RESUMEN
Ultra-Clean-Air (UCA) operating theatres aim to minimise surgical instrument contamination and wound infection through high flow rates of ultra-clean air, reducing the presence of Microbe Carrying Particles (MCPs). This study investigates the airflow patterns and ventilation characteristics of a UCA operating theatre (OT) under standard ventilation system operating conditions, considering both empty and partially occupied scenarios. Utilising a precise computational model, quasi-Direct Numerical Simulations (qDNS) were conducted to delineate flow velocity profiles, energy spectra, distributions of turbulent kinetic energy, energy dissipation rate, local Kolmogorov scales, and pressure-based coherent structures. These results were also complemented by a tracer gas decay analysis following ASHRAE standard guidelines. Simulations showed that contrary to the intended laminar regime, the OT's geometry inherently fosters a predominantly turbulent airflow, sustained until evacuation through the exhaust vents, and facilitating recirculation zones irrespective of occupancy level. Notably, the occupied scenario demonstrated superior ventilation efficiency, a phenomenon attributed to enhanced kinetic energy induced by the additional obstructions. The findings underscore the critical role of UCA-OT design in mitigating MCP dissemination, highlighting the potential to augment the design to optimise airflow across a broader theatre spectrum, thereby diminishing recirculation zones and consequently reducing the propensity for Surgical Site Infections (SSIs). The study advocates for design refinements to harness the turbulent dynamics beneficially, steering towards a safer surgical environment.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: the aim of the study was to assess microbiological air quality in operating theatres by determining the level of microbiological contamination of the air and critical surfaces using the passive air sampling method and compliance of the operating theatre staff with infection control measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study was conducted in the surgical block of the University Medical Centre Maribor. For two months continuously, ten operating theatres were assessed for microbial contamination of air and surfaces during quiet and active times of the day. A passive air sampling method with Petri dishes on an agar specially adapted for this purpose (plate count agar) was used. In addition, ten surgical procedures were observed to assess staff compliance with recommended practises. RESULTS: Air samples met microbiological standards in all operating theatres. In both sampling sessions of the day (quiet and active periods), microbial contamination of the air was always within the limit of 10 CFU/m3. The average number of bacterial colonies was zero to two during quiet phases and one to four during active phases. Approximately 60% of the isolates from the operating theatres belonged mainly to the genus Staphylococcus: S. epidermidis (36% of the isolates), S. hominis (17.5%) and S. haemolyticus (5.5%). The rest were identified as Streptococcus anginosus (23%) and Bacillus sp. (18%). Pathogenic bacteria and moulds were not present. In regard to staff compliance with good surgical practise, the former varied by behaviour and function, with non-compliance in pre-operative skin preparation and operating theatre congestion being notable. The cleanliness of the environment was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Microbiological air control is extremely important for the safety and success of both surgical and postoperative practises. In spite of good results obtained in the study, further improvements in surgical staff compliance with good surgical practise are essential to reduce surgical site infections.
RESUMEN
Shortages in the physician anaesthesia workforce have led to proposals to introduce new staff groups, notably in the UK National Health Service (NHS) Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) who have shorter training periods than doctors and could potentially contribute to workflow efficiencies in several ways. We analysed the economic viability of the most efficient staffing model, previously endorsed by both the UK Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists, wherein one physician supervises two AAs across two operating lists (1:2 model). For this model to be economically rational (something which neither national organisation considered), the employment cost of the two AAs should be equal to or less than that of a single supervisor physician (i.e. AAs should be paid <50% of the supervisor's salary). As the supervisor can be an autonomous specialty and specialist (SAS) doctor, this sets the economically viable AA salary envelope at less than £40,000 per year. However, we report that actual advertised AA salaries greatly exceed this, with even student AAs paid up to £48,472. Economically, one way to justify such salaries is for AAs to become autonomous such that they eventually replace SAS doctors at a lower cost. We discuss some other options that might increase AA productivity to justify these salaries (e.g. ≥1:3 staffing ratios), but the medico-political consequences of each of them are also profound. Alternatively, the AA programme should be terminated as economically nonviable. These results have implications for any country seeking to introduce new models of working in anaesthesia.
Asunto(s)
Anestesia , Anestesiología , Humanos , Medicina Estatal , Anestesiología/educación , Anestesistas , Reino UnidoRESUMEN
El profesional de enfermería en la mayoría de los casos tiene a su cargo y es de su responsabilidad hacer una supervisión y comprobación periódica de los diversos procesos administrativos y operativos, de aplicación rigurosa de las normas y principios de asepsia y antisepsia quirúrgica. Es de vital importancia la aplicación de la técnica aséptica para evitar que las personas que ingresan por cualquier procedimiento quirúrgico adquieran infecciones en razón a la susceptibilidad en particular en el quirófano. Estos principios son de obligatoriedad conocer y aplicar, no por unos pocos sino por todo el personal que labora en el quirófano. Es responsabilidad de los profesionales de la salud y del personal auxiliar que ayuda en los quirófanos cumplir y hacer cumplir las normas establecidas para brindar un ambiente seguro a toda persona que necesita de una intervención quirúrgica. Todos los procesos necesitan ser evaluados y auditados para verificar sus resultados.
The nurse in most cases is responsible and it is their responsibility to do oversight and regular review of the various administrative and operational processes, implementing rigorous standards and principles of aseptic surgery. It is vital to the implementation of aseptic technique to prevent people entering for any surgical procedure due to infections acquired susceptibility in particular in the OR. These principles are compulsory learning and applying, not the few but for all staff working in the operating room. It is the responsibility of health professionals and support staff in operating rooms to help implement and enforce the rules established to provide a safe environment to everyone who needs surgery. All processes need to be evaluated and audited to verify their results.
O profissional de enfermagem, na maioria dos casos, encarrega- se da supervisão e comprovação periódica dos diversos processos administrativos e operacionais, da aplicação rigorosa das normas e princípios de assepsia e antissepsia cirúrgica. É fundamental a aplicação da técnica asséptica para evitar que as pessoas que entram para realizarem qualquer procedimento cirúrgico adquiram infecções por causa da particular condição da sala de cirurgia. É mandatório aprender e aplicar esses princípios, não apenas por uns poucos, mas por todo o pessoal trabalhando na sala de cirurgia. Os profissionais da saúde e os auxiliares que trabalham na sala de cirurgia são responsáveis por cumprir e fazer cumprir as normas estabelecidas para oferecer um ambiente seguro a qualquer pessoa que precise de intervenção cirúrgica. Todos os processos precisam ser avaliados e auditados para verificar os resultados.
