Table 1.
| Glossary | Definition |
|---|---|
| Step (S) | A component task or defined unit of behaviour, the series aggregate of which constitutes the completion of a specific procedure |
| Error (E) | A deviation from optimal performance |
| SE | Is an event or occurrence involving a serious deviation from optimal performance defined by events that, by themselves, could lead to any of the following: contamination of the wound; surgical site infection; risk of health care professional exposure to bodily fluid, or broader risk for hospital acquired infection |
| Wound | The wound in this context is the surgical wound. The wound boundaries are defined as the area encompassing the staple or suture insertion points, incision line of wound and/or perimeter of wound drain |
| Aim of aseptic technique | Asepsis: is the prevention of the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms to the wound. In the context of the wound dressing this is the set of procedures performed which seek to stop the direct transfer of microorganisms to the wound through contact with other surfaces, equipment or persons (health care worker or patient). |
| Aseptic field | A designated aseptic working area that contains the equipment needed for the procedure and the external surface of the sterile gloves |
| Violation of aseptic non‐touch technique | The asepsis of “key‐parts” and “key‐sites” were not fully protected during the wound dressing as they were contaminated through clear and explicit contact with contaminated surface(s), equipment or persons (patient or health care professional). Non‐touch technique also involves the avoidance of touching key parts and key sites with gloved hand |
| Key site | Is the wound incision/site |
| Key part | Are the surfaces that come in direct contact with the wound |
| Violation of aseptic dressing field |
That is a clear and explicit contamination of either the upward facing surface of the opened dressing pack or external surface of sterile gloves or forceps if used to touch a key part or key site |
| Contamination | Occurs by contact with other contaminated surfaces, equipment or persons (patient or health care professional) |