Cost-benefit analysis of different air change rates in an operating room environment

摘要

Highlights " We found low air velocity rates at back table which could lead to contamination of instruments. " The levels of microbial contaminants measured led to the conclusion that higher ventilation rates do not equate to cleaner, fewer colony forming units, whereas particle data were less conclusive because of variations during Bovie use. " We developed realistic estimates of the financial cost of higher operating room ventilation rates. " We obtained actual air quality data during a dynamic mock surgical procedure to facilitate evidence-based design of operating room systems. Background Hospitals face growing pressure to meet the dual but often competing goals of providing a safe environment while controlling operating costs. Evidence-based data are needed to provide insight for facility management practices to support these goals. Methods The quality of the air in 3 operating rooms was measured at different ventilation rates. The energy cost to provide the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to the rooms was estimated to provide a cost-benefit comparison of the effectiveness of different ventilation rates currently used in the health care industry. Results Simply increasing air change rates in the operating rooms tested did not necessarily provide an overall cleaner environment, but did substantially increase energy consumption and costs. Additionally, and unexpectedly, significant differences in microbial load and air velocity were detected between the sterile fields and back instrument tables. Conclusions Increasing the ventilation rates in operating rooms in an effort to improve clinical outcomes and potentially reduce surgical site infections does not necessarily provide cleaner air, but does typically increase operating costs. Efficient distribution or management of the air can improve quality indicators and potentially reduce the number of air changes required. Measurable environmental quality indicators could be used in lieu of or in addition to air change rate requirements to optimize cost and quality for an operating room and other critical environments.