Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2023 Sep;118(3):157-168.
doi: 10.1002/aorn.13983.

Does the Type of Surgical Headwear Worn in the OR Matter? A Review of Evidence and Opinions

Sanjay Beesoon, Beate C Sydora, Tara Klassen, Timothy Baron, Jill Robert, Rachel Khadaroo, Jonathan White, Mary Brindle, Lesley Barker, Lisa Spruce
Review

Does the Type of Surgical Headwear Worn in the OR Matter? A Review of Evidence and Opinions

Sanjay Beesoon et al. AORN J. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Proper surgical attire is essential in decreasing surgical site infections; however, the effectiveness of the different types of headwear is a controversial topic. We conducted a narrative review based on studies identified through a focused literature search to summarize and critically assess evidence and opinions on the most appropriate type of headwear for OR personnel. We included 48 articles: 17 original research studies and 31 non-peer-reviewed articles of various types. Research published before 2014 mostly supports the complete coverage of all hair, which aligns with the 2015 AORN guidelines. However, more recent literature rebuts these guidelines and emphasizes the importance of clean headwear. Although earlier studies (published before 2017) lacked scientific rigor, later studies (published after 2017) have other various limitations, including missing data on compliance, surgery-related techniques, and surgical attire other than headwear. The findings from this review highlight the importance of solid evidence-based guidelines and expert collaboration.

Keywords: bouffant cap; grey literature; skull cap; surgical headwear; surgical site infection.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Ozgediz D, Jamison D, Cherian M, McQueen K. The burden of surgical conditions and access to surgical care in low- and middle-income countries. Bull World Health Organ. 2008;86(8):646-647. https://doi.org/10.2471/blt.07.050435
    1. Anderson O, Davis R, Hanna GB, Vincent CA. Surgical adverse events: a systematic review. Am J Surg. 2013;206(2):253-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2012.11.009
    1. van Wagtendonk I, Smits M, Merten H, Heetveld MJ. Wagner C. Nature, causes and consequences of unintended events in surgical units. Br J Surg. 2010;97(11):1730-1740. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.7201
    1. Haynes AB, Weiser TG, Berry WR, et al. A surgical safety checklist to reduce morbidity and mortality in a global population. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(5):491-499. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMsa0810119
    1. WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. World Health Organization. Accessed June 6, 2023. https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/patient-safety/rese...

LinkOut - more resources