SURGERY – PREPARATION OF PATIENTS
HOSPITAL NAME: __________________________________________________________
Date created or updated: ____________________________________________________
AAHA Standard Referenced:
SX11. The practice utilizes a written protocol for the preparation of surgical patients, addressing:
· Appropriate order, duration and timeliness of preparation
· Preparation of specific body areas
· Methods of antisepsis
· Antiseptic products
Purpose: To provide consistent and efficient surgical preparations of every patient, insuring minimal bacterial contamination to the patient and surgical site in the most time effective manner.
Timeline: Training on the importance of asepsis is implemented upon hire and knowledge and practical application of prepping patients for surgery is approved prior to direct contact with patients.
Team Member Responsible: The designated practice team member(s) responsible for completing the task(s) outlined in the protocol
Supervisor/Point Person: The practice team member(s) responsible for managing the implementation of the protocol
SUGGESTED CONTENT TO ADDRESS
General and Pre-preparation Procedures
· Define procedures prior to anesthetizing, such as:
o Walking dogs to allow them to urinate and/or defecate
o Bathing patients if necessary
o Getting supplies ready
o What to wear when prepping (i.e., lab coat over scrubs)
· Define practice team members who are responsible for the implementation of the above procedures
· Define the location(s) of prepping the patient (i.e., initial scrub performed in treatment and final scrub performed aseptically in surgical suite)
Supplies
· Define the supplies that are necessary for prepping procedures
· Define procedures for keeping prepping instruments in good working order (i.e., contracted with a company to routinely sharpen clipper blades)
Surgical Variations
· Define the boundaries of the surgical sites to be shaved/scrubbed/plucked for various procedures
· Define unique scrub procedures for different types of surgeries (i.e., orthopedic scrub requires longer scrub time than a soft tissue procedure)
· Define other unique procedures for different types of surgeries (i.e., outline how to wrap and position a leg for knee surgery)
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