Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine perceptions of healthcare workers (HCWs) about potential sources of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and the frequency of their experiences with critical failures of medical textile products. A questionnaire was developed that included questions about perceptions of 10 potential sources of HAI and any instances of surgical gown and drape failures (critical incidents). The questionnaire was administered to nationwide samples of operating room nurses and doctors. Completed questionnaires were returned by 110 doctors and 236 nurses. The average ratings of the potential sources of HAI indicated strong agreement that all 10 could be sources of infection, with hands having the highest average scores. The critical incidents data indicated HCWs were experiencing a variety of medical textile problems in addition to strike-through, although strike-through was one of the most common problems. The finding that both doctors and nurses had an appreciation of various aspects of the hospital environment that could be related to HAI suggests that changes in products and procedures are going to be more effective than increased educational efforts in reducing HAIs. The critical incidents data also point to product changes that could benefit HCWs and their patients. Addressing strike-through issues is obviously of major importance but a variety of other problems such as flammability and faulty closures should also be considered when developing and selecting medical textiles for the operating room.