Academic Level at Time of Creation
Graduate
Date of Creation
Spring 4-24-2025
Abstract
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly impact surgical patients and with one contributory to their development is hair removal method, education about surgical hair removal methods is minimal in continued educational programs. The purpose of this project was to provide an educational program that discussed hair removal methods to reduce surgical site infections. The staff was educated on methods for hair removal in surgical patients, recommendations from manufacturers of the product, hospital policies regarding hair removal and governing organizational guidelines. Over two days for a 10-hour shift each day, a poster board and a 15-30-minute presentation then a pre/post-test was used to delivery and evaluate the project. Participants completed the pre-test, listen and view the education program, and then complete the post-test.
The project resulted in 24 participants from the surgical department. The average score for the pretest was 4.17 out of 6 possible points, and the median was 4/6 points, ranging from 2-5 points. The average score for the posttest was 5.63, making an overall increase of 1.46 points compared to the pretest. The median of the posttest was 6/6, with a range of 4 to 6 points. The project found that implementing the education program effectively increased participants’ knowledge of target objectives regarding surgical hair removal. The educational program was limited in nature, as it reviewed only one major area of perioperative nursing. It is recommended that more in-depth training is necessary for both old and new perioperative nurses to stay abreast of the latest recommendations and guidelines.
Keywords: surgical site infections, surgical hair removal, hair removal methods, perioperative nursing
Recommended Citation
Smith, Madison and Todd, Dana, "Clinical Education Program for Hair Removal to Reduce Surgical Site Infections" (2025). Student Scholarship & Creative Works. 23.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/sscw/23