C/S and delivery table set ups

[spirit917]

Hi all,

I have just been through the JCAHO process and a practice we have used in our community for 25 years is under question. We currently use sterile technique with full gown, mask, etc to set up, cover, date/time, and lock up C/S and Delivery tables. We have done this because of our 15 deliveries/surgeries per day and timely readiness for emergent deliveries and stat c/s. I do understand and respect the AORN standards, but even the latest 2007 state there is no evidence for to support their position on not covering. Our tables are rarely unused for more that 5 hours.

Our infection rate is acceptable against benchmarks. I am really concerned that setting them up as we go and in a hurry will present more contamination opportunities, especially since it will be the single cirulator for VD and the resident doing it if the tech is tied up elsewhere (very frequent occurence).

I am looking for suggestions, alternatives, and even real comments that tell me to move on and get over it.

Thanks.

[jhhrn68]

We set up our C/S tables right before the section and do not cover. The circulator sets up the table wearng mask and cap. Gloves are not worn because she is just dumping stuff on the table. The scrub nurse is in gown, gloves, mask, etc. and she finishes once she has scrubbed in. After C/S, we clean the room and get things kind of ready (but not open) for the next one. Delivery tables are in the rooms and are set up when needed. If they are set up ahead of time, we cover them. We try not to set up until delivery is imminent but sometimes you guess wrong.

[RNLaborNurse4U]

This is the exact thing we do at my facility.

We set up our C/S tables right before the section and do not cover. The circulator sets up the table wearng mask and cap. Gloves are not worn because she is just dumping stuff on the table. The scrub nurse is in gown, gloves, mask, etc. and she finishes once she has scrubbed in. After C/S, we clean the room and get things kind of ready (but not open) for the next one. Delivery tables are in the rooms and are set up when needed. If they are set up ahead of time, we cover them. We try not to set up until delivery is imminent but sometimes you guess wrong.