Space, sterility and surgery: circuits of hygiene in the operating theatre

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Surgical Safety
• Infection Control

Background:

• The physical layout of surgical spaces influences interactions and workflow.
• Maintaining sterility is paramount in surgical environments to prevent infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the surgical theatre's built environment and its impact on interactions.
• To explore how the physical layout contributes to maintaining sterility and patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Documentation of three "circuits of hygiene": surgical staff, instruments, and patients.
• Analysis of physical movements within the surgical spaces to assess sterility contributions.

Main Results:

• The built environment of the surgical theatre provides implicit reminders for aseptic technique adherence.
• Physical layouts facilitate the documented "circuits of hygiene" crucial for sterility.

Conclusions:

• The surgical theatre's design is integral to reinforcing aseptic procedures.
• The built environment supports the safe progression of patients through surgery towards healing.