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Halyard Knowledge Network* presents…“Is Your PPE Protecting You? What You Don’t Know May Hurt You”

During surgical procedures, both the patient and members of the perioperative team are at risk for exposure to infectious agents through pathogen penetration of surgical gowns and surgical masks worn as surgical personal protective equipment (PPE). Therefore, surgical PPE with appropriate barrier protection is essential. To protect patients, other members of the perioperative team, and themselves, perioperative nurses should be aware of the relevant standards, guidelines, and professional recommendations that address surgical PPE. Through this knowledge, they are better equipped to make appropriate surgical PPE selections thereby reducing exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material (OPIM).

This educational activity will discuss the importance of questioning barrier protection and assist members of the perioperative team to understand the standards and guidelines that relate to surgical PPE. An explanation of why all surgical PPE is not created equal will be presented, as well as a description of strategies that are appropriate for selecting surgical gowns and surgical masks. Information herein regarding protection levels of surgical gowns and masks may also be valuable for sterile processing department (SPD) personnel, especially when working in the decontamination area. In certain circumstances, the use of a surgical gown and mask or a mask in combination with eye protection may be appropriate in SPD. Although surgical gloves and protective eyewear are also considered to be a part of surgical PPE, they are beyond the scope of this educational activity.

Presenter:

Kathleen Stoessel, RN, BSN, MS  |  Clinical Education Industry Consultant

Target Audience: Nurses

Continuing Education Information  |  1.0 contact hours Nurses

Questions should be directed to: janis.harvey@hyh.com

* NOTE: This is a supplier and industry resource-sponsored webinar. HealthTrust has not approved and/or endorsed the content. This program may contain the mention of products, services, drugs or brands presented in a case study or comparative format. Such examples are intended for educational and informational purposes and should not be perceived as a HealthTrust endorsement of any particular supplier, product, service, drug, brand or approach.