Prevention and Control of Operating Room Fires:Knowledge of Staff Employed by Selected Hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Background: Patient safety in hospital is an essential professional indicator that should be noticed. The thread of fires is of the most potentially dangerous risk that could harm patients and personnel. So, we studied operating room staff knowledge about fires, its prevention and control, based on their specialty and their job tenure.

Methods: This is a descriptive analytical cross sectional study which evaluates knowledge of operating room staff in relation to fires. A cluster sampling method was applied and a quota was considered for each Hospital. In each cluster, samples were selected through census method. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 17, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics.

Results: 257 cases of operating room staff employed by selected Hospitals (IUMS) Participated. 63% were female and 30/4% were male. The most employment rate was (36/6%) for OR technician and the less was (2/7%) for anesthesiologist. The mean of their knowledge level about fires and its prevention was 2/71(0/67), and control was 2/62(0/71). In 66% of cases, the level of knowledge about fires and its prevention, and in 70% of cases, the level of knowledge about methods of fire control, has been below the average (the value=3). This difference was statistically significant (P<0/05). As staff age increases, their level of knowledge increase as well. Hospital they are employed by, their job tenure, and their profession can affect level of knowledge (P<0/05).

Discussion: This study shows that the staff knowledge about fires, its prevention, and control has been lower than the average limit. Due to the sensitivity of the issue, in terms of susceptibility of the environment and medical equipments for ignition, and also safety of staff and patients, Therefore making facilities for development of staff knowledge, managers strive to eliminate defects of staff training, and also considering standards seems to be necessary.