Sarah Hydes
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Scrub vs Rub: Changing Surgical Asepsis Technique for Supporting Skin Health and Compliance
Scrub vs Rub illustrates the opposing methods for appropriate surgical hand asepsis, also called "scrubbing or scrub". Using antimicrobial rub products is common in overseas hospitals and is reportedly better for skin health yet New Zealand hospitals can't let go of the trusty antimicrobial-impregnated plastic sponge and brush. The scrub vs rub presentation summarises an extensive research-based literature review on the recommendations on surgical asepsis, the observational methodology to measure the compliance of practice across the entire theatre department of Mercy Hospital Dunedin, and the use of anonymous stakeholder input. The efficacy of the scrub products used for infection prevention was assessed and education/feedback to stakeholders was created and delivered to all those that scrub. The project discovered that significant financial, sustainability and compliance gains were to be made by adapting clinical practice to rubbing, which has been recommended for more than 10 years internationally. The project was and continues to challenge the practice culture, create financial savings, and reduce waste while increasing compliance from 34% to more than 80%.
