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Space, sterility and surgery: Circuits of hygiene in the operating theatre

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  • Fox, Nick J.

Abstract

The spaces of the surgical operating theatre (ST) and associated built environment are analysed, to explore what the physical layout means for the interactions which take place. Three "circuits of hygiene" of surgical staff, surgical instruments, and patients are documented, and analysis of these physical movements through the surgical spaces examined for their contribution to sterility. It is concluded that the built environment of the ST contributes reminders to staff to fulfil the necessary procedures of aseptic technique, to ensure the safe passage of the patient through surgery into a condition where s/he may be designated as "healed".

Suggested Citation

  • Fox, Nick J., 1997. "Space, sterility and surgery: Circuits of hygiene in the operating theatre," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 45(5), pages 649-657, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:45:y:1997:i:5:p:649-657
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    Cited by:

    1. Glenda Riley, Robin & Manias, Elizabeth, 2006. "Governance in operating room nursing: Nurses' knowledge of individual surgeons," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(6), pages 1541-1551, March.
    2. Elif Özcan & Cornelis L. H. Broekmeulen & Zoe Alexandra Luck & Monique van Velzen & Pieter Jan Stappers & Judy Reed Edworthy, 2022. "Acoustic Biotopes, Listeners and Sound-Induced Action: A Case Study of Operating Rooms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-23, December.
    3. Melo, Sara, 2018. "The role of place on healthcare quality improvement: A qualitative case study of a teaching hospital," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 136-142.
    4. Abeysinghe, Sudeepa & Leppold, Claire & Ozaki, Akihiko & Morita, Mariko & Tsubokura, Masaharu, 2017. "Disappearing everyday materials: The displacement of medical resources following disaster in Fukushima, Japan," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 117-124.

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    Keywords

    surgery sterility hygiene;

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