The Challenges Faced by Operating Room Nurses in Infection Control: Strategies and Implications
کد: G-1230
نویسندگان: Fatemeh Esmaelzadeh © ℗
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خلاصه مقاله:
خلاصه مقاله
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a considerable portion of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), resulting in higher morbidity, extended hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Operating room (OR) nurses play a vital role in preventing these infections by ensuring strict adherence to aseptic protocols. However, the OR environment presents unique challenges to infection control due to procedure complexity, equipment variety, and the dynamic nature of surgeries. Aim: This narrative review examines the specific challenges faced by OR nurses in infection prevention and control, explores their impact on patient safety, and presents evidence-based strategies to mitigate these risks. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies related to OR nursing and infection control. Key themes were identified, including pressures in maintaining aseptic techniques, equipment handling, time constraints, staffing shortages, interdisciplinary coordination, and compliance resistance. Findings: OR nurses often encounter significant barriers to maintaining infection control, particularly in high-pressure settings such as emergency surgeries, which can lead to breaches in aseptic technique. Advanced surgical equipment requires specialized handling, further complicating infection control. Rapid room turnover and staffing shortages exacerbate these challenges, contributing to fatigue and increased risk of error. Additionally, resistance from some team members regarding infection control protocols, such as PPE and hand hygiene, undermines efforts to maintain sterility. Conclusions: Addressing these challenges demands a multifaceted approach. Key strategies include ongoing education and training, improved interdisciplinary communication, ensuring adequate staffing, optimizing OR turnover processes, and appointing infection control champions. Prioritizing these interventions can empower OR nurses to strengthen infection prevention practices, thereby reducing SSIs and improving patient outcomes.
کلمات کلیدی
Keywords: infection control, operating room nurses, surgical site infections, aseptic techniques, healthcare-associated infections, patient safety
