Background: This study evaluated the effects of routine and additional environmental management with pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PXUV) disinfection in hospital operating rooms (ORs). Methods: The study was conducted in 10 ORs of a hospital specializing in joint surgery with 174 hospital beds. We selected four surfaces with high frequency and one surface with low frequency of contact with the hands of operating room medical staff. After regular environmental management and additional PXUV disinfection from March to April 2020, a total of 250 specimens were collected by performing 50 culture tests on each selected surface. Results: We found 4.8% (6/125) positive cultures after routine environmental management, but only 0.8% (1/125) after PXUV disinfection. Conclusion: Although we could not conclusively evaluate the difference between routine and additional environmental management, PXUV disinfection showed a tendency to reduce environmental contamination.

Purpose: This study tested the effectiveness of brochure- and video-based education on managing surgical site infections by operating room health personnel.Methods: From April 20 to May 4, 2021, 34 operating room health personnel were subjected to training on surgical site infection management using brochures and educational videos. A survey was then conducted on knowledge, perception, and adherence regarding surgical site infection management.Results: After receiving training on surgical site infection management, the knowledge score increased significantly (15.15±2.09 vs.19.70±1.96, p<.001). However, the perception and adherence scores were already near perfect before the intervention and did not further increase after the intervention.Conclusion: It is necessary to develop and utilize continuous and substantive educational programs to improve perception and adherence of surgical site infection management.

This study aimed to comprehensively understand the work experience of the person in charge of the adequacy evaluation of small-and medium-sized hospitals and explore its meaning and essence in-depth. Methods : This was a descriptive qualitative study. The study participants were 10 nurses who understood the purpose of this study and participated voluntarily. Data collection was conducted via in-depth interviews in January 2021. The interviews were conducted 1-2 times per participant and lasted approximately 40-50 minutes per session. Data analysis was performed using a qualitative content analysis. Results : The work experience of the person in charge of the adequacy evaluation of small-and medium-sized hospitals included four themes: "difficulty in preparing for evaluation," "negative views on evaluation," "lack of a support system," and "positive improvements and changes due to an evaluation." Conclusion : Based on the above results, an education program and support system should be developed to strengthen the competence of nurses in charge of the adequacy evaluation of small-and medium-sized hospitals.