OR Doors

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 22, 2009

The only OR door we have that's automatic is our dedicated trauma room. All of the other ORs have regular doors. I don't find it much of a problem. Each room is staffed with one RN circulator and two STs. One of them is scrubbed and setting up the table, the other helps the nurse get the patient ready and usually holds the door open while the patient is coming through. Personally, I think there are better options to spend that kind of money on, especially with the way the economy is. Plus, there's always the chance of the door being activated accidentally and contaminating something.

elcue · Feb 23, 2009

Thanks for answering. Linda

maeyken · Feb 23, 2009

Haha don't I wish!

Our doors aren't too bad- they can lock open, so that you can get the bed in the door. Half the time there would be something in the way anyway...

Our biggest door issue is that the beds keep getting wider, but the doors don't! We can't put the siderails up on the bed until we get through the door! Not exactly the best when you've got an active patient! :)

linda2097 · Feb 23, 2009

I don't think it's a good idea. A door opening inward can contaminate a back table or draped microscope. A door opening outward can contaminate someone who just scrubbed their hands.

elcue · Feb 24, 2009

Our doors aren't too bad- they can lock open, so that you can get the bed in the door. Half the time there would be something in the way anyway...

Our biggest door issue is that the beds keep getting wider, but the doors don't! We can't put the siderails up on the bed until we get through the door! Not exactly the best when you've got an active patient! :)

I like the idea of the door locking open mechanically, without an electric mechanism. This could be a more economical solution You're absolutely right - these beds are becoming more enormous all the time.

Regarding the comment about the opening door contaminating a back table or draped scope, I have to say that the sterile field should not be set up so close to the door in the first place. Sorry - not trying to be bratty, but I was taught not to place the table near the door.

Thanks for your input, everyone. I'll keep collecting comments and will pass them on to the committee that approached me to poll you here.

linda2097 · Feb 25, 2009

Regarding the comment about the opening door contaminating a back table or draped scope, I have to say that the sterile field should not be set up so close to the door in the first place. Sorry - not trying to be bratty, but I was taught not to place the table near the door.

I still don't think it's a good idea. Unless your OR suites are gigantic, something is going to get hit by an automatic door that shouldn't be hit. I guarantee it.

Also, automatic doors make noise which will annoy the hell out of the surgeon every time staff come and go. OR doors should be quiet.

The easiest thing for you to do is to alter your current doors so that they stay open when you want them to. That way you don't have to hold them open while you transport a patient. Our doors have a little kick stand on the bottom that you hit with your foot to keep the door open.

At $4 a piece, I don't think you will have a hard time getting funding.

See link....

http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=772303&click=1014

linda2097 · Feb 25, 2009

Here's another doorstop from Home Depot....

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100131276&categoryID=501026

lilla_fjaril · Feb 26, 2009

sorry, double message deleted

lilla_fjaril · Feb 26, 2009

we have plate-activated in about half of our 50 ORs. (big teaching hospital.) They are whisper quiet--much moreso than someone opening and closing them manually.

KayceeCA · Feb 26, 2009

Our biggest door issue is that the beds keep getting wider, but the doors don't! We can't put the siderails up on the bed until we get through the door! Not exactly the best when you've got an active patient! :)

Amen! That's my biggest complaint about our OR doors too. Some of these newer beds are so wide, it's impossible to get them through the doors with the rails up. Then you have to maneuver down the twisty, turny OR halls, with obstacles around every corner, to get to PACU. Ugh! I guess that complaint is for another thread though.

shaggie · Feb 28, 2009

I work in a newer hospital ( 1 year old) and all of our OR doors are plate activated....our OR's are also quite large so no chance of contamination. The last hospital I worked at did not have plate activated doors and now I wonder how we ever managed without them!