The Effects of Surgical Hand Scrubbing Protocols on Skin Integrity and Surgical Site Infection Rates: A Systematic Review. (27th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Liang Qin; Mehigan, Sinead
• Is Part Of: AORN journal. Volume 103:Number 5(2016.May.)
• Page Start: 468
• Page End: 482
• Publication Date: 2016-04-27
• Subjects: surgical hand scrubbing -- hand rubbing -- skin -- irritation -- surgical site infection; Operating room nursing -- Periodicals; Soins infirmiers en salle d'opération -- Périodiques; Nursing -- Periodicals; Operating Room Nursing -- Periodicals; Perioperative Nursing -- Periodicals; Societies, Nursing -- Periodicals; 617.917
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aorn.2016.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-2092

Abstract

Abstract: This systematic review aimed to critically appraise and synthesize updated evidence regarding the effect of surgical‐scrub techniques on skin integrity and the incidence of surgical site infections. Databases searched include the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central. Our review was limited to eight peer‐reviewed, randomized controlled trials and two nonrandomized controlled trials published in English from 1990 to 2015. Comparison models included traditional hand scrubbing with chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone‐iodine against alcohol‐based hand rubbing, scrubbing with a brush versus without a brush, and detergent‐based antiseptics alone versus antiseptics incorporating alcohol solutions. Evidence showed that hand rubbing techniques are as effective as traditional scrubbing and seem to be better tolerated. Hand rubbing appears to cause less skin damage than traditional scrub protocols, and scrub personnel tolerated brushless techniques better than scrubbing using a brush.