Authors (including presenting author) :
SC HO(1), Claud CHAN(2), TK LEUNG(1), KW CHU(1), YH WONG(1), NM WONG(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Operating Services, United Christian Hospital, (2)Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Operating Services, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Latex allergy affects approximately 1% to 6 % of the general population. In the Operating Room (OR), ensuring patient safety requires strict protocols to avoid latex exposure. Despite existing guidelines, the process of verifying equipment and consumable items for latex content often causes delays and inefficiencies before operations begin.
To address this issue, a latex-free product data bank was developed with a multidisciplinary team, along with updates to the preparation workflow, to improve efficiency and reduce risks
Objectives :
To established a latex-free product data bank for each specialty team in the OR, facilitating the identification of at-risk items, and to update the preparation workflow for managing latex-allergic patients.
Methodology :
1. Collaborated with specialty team leaders to compile lists of latex -free equipment, consumables, and medications.
2. Verified product content with manufacturers and packaging, even for items labelled “latex-free” or “non-latex”.
3. Partnered with the pharmacy team to confirm latex-free medications and with the procurement team to ensure latex-free certification during purchasing.
4. The data bank was endorsed by the Operating Services Operation Committee and uploaded to the OR’s website for easy access.
5. Availability of the data bank in OR’s website was informed to all staff.
6. Updated workflow for elective, emergency and desperate cases in collaboration with anesthesiologists.
7. Introduced a latex-free trolley for emergencies and trained OR staff on the updated workflow
Result & Outcome :
By August 2024, the data bank was completed and uploaded to the OR’s website.
2. 2 elective cases and 1 emergency case was adopted the data bank to verify consumable items after establishment and undergone the safety operation.
3. For these 3 cases, 9 OR staff and 3 anaesthesiologists agreed that the data bank is useful and accessible after interview.
4. Monthly updates on latex-free product status in HA teams with share folder were provided by the procurement team.
5. After training, 20 nurses and 10 anaesthetic assistants reported the updated workflow was clear recommended annual reviews by online survey data collection.
6. Monthly routine checks of the latex-free trolley enhanced staff awareness.
Conclusion
Although latex allergies affect is a small percentage of the population, proper preparation and verification of latex-free products are essential for patient safety.
The latex-free products data bank and updated workflow streamline processes and reduce risks. Continuous updates and reviews will sustain this initiative and further enhance safety in the OR.
