When Thomas Paine noted in 1776 that,

“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right,”

he could not have imagined that he was describing a current tug-of-war that still exists in some operating rooms today.

From Infection Control Today

The application of critical thinking to the policies, practices and procedures that are used in the trade of modern body art is tantamount to increased prosperity.

SSI Prevention: Evidence-Based Practices Replace Lingering “Sacred Cows’ in the OR

Report Summary

This report explores the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) within the context of evidence-based practices replacing “sacred cows” in the operating room. It focuses on the critical practice of preoperative hair removal.

Editor’s Take

Although evidence-based practice has eclipsed so-called “sacred cows,” there are some questionable practices that may linger in operating rooms. These sacred cows — an idiom for something immune from question or criticism — are practices that lack scientific evidence and impede clinical progress. Over the last few years there has been a significant shift toward translational research to encourage practitioners to implement research into practice. A key component of that is embracing evidence-based practice.

Takeaways for Your Business

• Discover how evidence-based practice is replacing practices that lack scientific evidence

• Learn proper practices related to preoperative hair removal

• Review how various guidelines and the medical literature address preoperative hair removal