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Surgical Head Coverings: A Literature Review
Author(s) -
Spruce Lisa
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2017.08.001
Subject(s) - perioperative , medicine , perioperative nursing , surgical site infection , health care , intensive care medicine , surgical procedures , surgery , dermatology , economics , economic growth
Microorganisms that cause surgical site infections may either be present on the patient's skin or mucous membranes or transmitted to the patient by health care personnel, the environment, or other items in the perioperative setting. This literature review analyzes the evidence used to support the recommendation that perioperative personnel should cover their heads, hair, and ears in the semirestricted and restricted areas. A literature search produced 27 articles related to bacterial shedding from skin and hair, pathogenic organisms present on the hair and ears, and case reports of infectious organisms passed from health care providers to patients. Although there is no conclusive evidence that wearing a head covering can help prevent surgical site infections, the potential benefits to patients when compared with the risks suggest that perioperative team members should cover their heads, hair, and ears in the semirestricted and restricted areas to provide the best possible protection for surgical patients.