Date of Graduation

Fall 12-11-2018

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Danijela Pavlic

Abstract

Operating room (OR) turnover cleaning is an important part of perioperative workflow for surgical teams, particularly to prevent cross-contamination of infectious pathogens from the surgical environment to staff and patients. Incomplete OR turnover cleaning ultimately leaves vulnerable surgical patients at risk for surgical-site infections (SSIs) and other types of hospital acquired infections (HAIs), which leads to delays in overall operations of the OR. A microsystem assessment at a large metropolitan hospital revealed an issue with incomplete OR turnover cleaning evident by the presence of dirty canisters, filters, and unclean anesthesia machines/work-areas after sterile surgical supplies had already been opened in preparation for following surgical procedures. The project aimed to reduce the number of incomplete OR turnover cleaning (IORTCs) events. This was achieved by utilizing the Work Enhanced Turnover Cleaning (WETOC) Project which enhanced turnover cleaning communication between key players in this process. Daily audits were taken to evaluate the WETOC Project. Compliance goals were met for all three months after implementation at 50%, 70%, and 90% respectively. IORTC occurrence goals were also met with three occurrences in the first month, and no occurrences in the second and third months. Ultimately, the WETOC Project was found to be effective in reducing the incidence of IORTCs. Maintaining staff compliance to the WETOC process was necessary in sustaining goals and reducing IORTC, which is feasible through quality control audits, and strong leadership support.

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