Clinical Practice 05

Abstract

To assess the impact of the basic surgical skills course (BSS) on glove perforation during simple suturing. The study was conducted at a regional BSS course. Fifteen senior house officers attended. All participants were asked to place two simple sutures (Ethilon) in artificial skin whilst wearing surgical gloves (Bodyguard). After completion of this task, the gloves used were collected in bins marked dominant and non-dominant hand. Any perceived needlestick injuries were documented. Each participant performed this task three times. On the final day of the course, the suturing exercise was repeated three times and all gloves collected. Ninety gloves were tested after wearing and performing no task as control. All gloves were tested electronically for perforations. Pre-course, the perforation rate was 4.4 per cent (2/45) in the dominant hand, 11.1 per cent (5/45) in the non-dominant hand and 7.8 per cent (7/90) overall. Post-course, the perforation rate was 0 per cent (0/45) in the dominant hand, 2.2 per cent (1/45) in the non-dominant hand and 1.1 per cent (1/90) overall. No needlestick injuries were reported during the study. Control perforation rate was 1.1 per cent (1/90). The BSS course significantly reduces (P = 0.032) the glove perforation rate whilst suturing. We conclude that the BSS course improves sharp awareness and feel formal teaching should be encouraged in other specialities where suturing occurs.