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The Influence of Surgical Staff Behavior on Air Quality in a Conventionally Ventilated Operating Theatre during a Simulated Arthroplasty: A Case Study at the University Hospital of Parma

Author

Listed:
  • Cesira Pasquarella

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno, 39, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Carla Balocco

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, via S. Marta 3, 50139 Firenze, Italy)

  • Maria Eugenia Colucci

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno, 39, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Elisa Saccani

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno, 39, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Samuel Paroni

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno, 39, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Lara Albertini

    (Freelance Architect, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Pietro Vitali

    (Hygiene Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Roberto Albertini

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno, 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
    Clinical Immunology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy)

Abstract

Surgical staff behavior in operating theatres is one of the factors associated with indoor air quality and surgical site infection risk. The aim of this study was to apply an approach including microbiological, particle, and microclimate parameters during two simulated surgical hip arthroplasties to evaluate the influence of staff behavior on indoor air quality. During the first hip arthroplasty, the surgical team behaved correctly, but in the second operation, behavioral recommendations were not respected. Microbiological contamination was evaluated by active and passive methods. The air velocity, humidity, temperature, and CO 2 concentration were also monitored. The highest levels of microbial and particle contamination, as well as the highest variation in the microclimate parameter, were recorded during the surgical operation where the surgical team behaved “incorrectly”. Turbulent air flow ventilation systems appeared more efficient than in the past and very low air microbial contamination was reached when behavior was correct. Therefore, adherence to behavioral recommendations in operating theatres is essential to not undermine the effectiveness of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and employed resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Cesira Pasquarella & Carla Balocco & Maria Eugenia Colucci & Elisa Saccani & Samuel Paroni & Lara Albertini & Pietro Vitali & Roberto Albertini, 2020. "The Influence of Surgical Staff Behavior on Air Quality in a Conventionally Ventilated Operating Theatre during a Simulated Arthroplasty: A Case Study at the University Hospital of Parma," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:2:p:452-:d:307187
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gonzalo Sánchez-Barroso & Justo García Sanz-Calcedo, 2019. "Evaluation of HVAC Design Parameters in High-Performance Hospital Operating Theatres," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Prospero Albertini & Pierangela Mainardi & Maria Bagattini & Annalisa Lombardi & Patrizia Riccio & Maria Ragosta & Francesca Pennino & Dario Bruzzese & Maria Triassi, 2023. "Risk Influence of Some Environmental and Behavioral Factors on Air Contamination in the Operating Room: An Experimental Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(16), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Maria Luisa Cristina & Anna Maria Spagnolo & Gianluca Ottria & Elisa Schinca & Chiara Dupont & Alessio Carbone & Martino Oliva & Marina Sartini, 2021. "Microbial Air Monitoring in Turbulent Airflow Operating Theatres: Is It Possible to Calculate and Hypothesize New Benchmarks for Microbial Air Load?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-12, October.

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