Policies for masks in the OR

[maritimegirl]

I was just wondering if some of you could give me some input on what your policies are for masks in the OR. We are required to wear masks at all times even if there is no case set up in that room, and even after hours when there are no surgeries taking place. From what I understand, this isn't the case at other hospitals. Anyone have any input?

[Squaw]

We only wear them when the set-up is open in the room.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

We only wear them when the set-up is open in the room.

same here..

[ShariDCST]

masks are needed when there are open sterile supplies in a room , and of course when a case is being done. not sure why you'd have to wear masks when there is nothing open in the room to be contaminated.

[sandiegojames]

same with us, mask only in room with sterile stuff open.

AORN 2007 Standards, "All individuals entering restricted areas of the OR suite should wear a mask when open sterile items and equipment are present." Pg 487

[brewerpaul]

not sure why you'd have to wear masks when there is nothing open in the room to be contaminated.

maybe the staff in their or is especially homely...just kidding!!

same as the others, we just mask when there are open sterile supplies in the room. now that brings up another point.. we all wear masks, but the patient doesn't. granted, they're most often intubated or breathing through a mask, but shouldn't they really come into the room with a mask too? otoh, maybe the whole mask thing is overrated...has anyone done any studies of how many bacteria are actually spread by people breathing in a room?

btw-- for clean, non-sterile cases we don't necessarily mask. these would include eswls, most cysto cases etc.

[ShariDCST]

maybe the staff in their or is especially homely...just kidding!!

same as the others, we just mask when there are open sterile supplies in the room. now that brings up another point.. we all wear masks, but the patient doesn't. granted, they're most often intubated or breathing through a mask, but shouldn't they really come into the room with a mask too? otoh, maybe the whole mask thing is overrated...has anyone done any studies of how many bacteria are actually spread by people breathing in a room?

btw-- for clean, non-sterile cases we don't necessarily mask. these would include eswls, most cysto cases etc.

i think the reason the patient doesn't have to wear a mask to their own surgery is because it's their own germs they'd be breathing around? just a guess - but it makes sense to me.

[brewerpaul]

Yeah, the "their own germs" explanation is what I've heard, but some of those germs might still be floating around in the room for the next case even with air filtration. This would be an interesting evidence based study.

[ewattsjt]

same as everyone else so far. i did clinicals at a facility where there was a sterile core behind the rooms that you would have to wear masks before entering. other than that, we only wear them when the room is opened.

[Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA]

We wear masks in rooms with open sterile supplies. During cases like ESWL, cysto we don't have to, but I feel "naked." ha, ha!

[zerby1470]

We mask for opening rooms, and also prior to opening a total joint room (surgeon request). We are not required to wear masks on clean cases, but most do anyway. There are some things that can hit you in the face in those too, and it's good to have the barrier!

[Scrubby]

[i think the reason the patient doesn't have to wear a mask to their own surgery is because it's their own germs they'd be breathing around? just a guess - but it makes sense to me]

patients can still infect themselves with their own bacteria, it's called endogenous infection.

i believe the patient doesn't have to wear a mask in surgery is for several reasons. it's frightening enough for them having surgery in the first place. making them wear a mask would not be appropriate.

in a an abdominal, lower body operation by the time the patient is having surgery and the surgical wound exposed, there are normally drapes that are put up (well in my or anyway) which is a barrier between the head and the area which is being worked on. the head is also under the drapes as well so there is plenty of sterile layers.

at my hcf the policy is that masks are to be worn when sterile items are opened as well.