Audit on operating theatres in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Design and behavior within a theatre is important in preventing infections at surgical sites. Protocols exist for theatre infection control starting from the design stage. Compliance of theatres in the Sri Lankan public health sector to such recommendations was assessed in this audit in a questionnaire based descriptive study conducted in relation to a theatre infection control workshop.Design, location, layout, ventilation and personal management in the theatres were assessed. Sri Lankan theaters fall below the recognized standards in both theatre design and infection control practices and much needs to be improved to bring up the standards of the theatres in the system to internationally acceptable norms.Introduction the design of operating theatres has evolved in complexity over the past decades with the development of the surgical field. However, the basic principals of theatre design remain the same. Convenience, cost and infection control are some factors that are considered in designing and planning new theatres.