Surgical Team\' Knowledge About electrocautery smoke complications in the Educational hospitals in Birjand, 2011

ntroduction: Electrocautery device is one of the most widely used electronic devices in operating rooms despite its advantages in operations, production risks such as the halo of smoke above the operating position. The smoke with hazardous substances,cause to transmitting HIV, HPV and hepatitis and complications such as respiratory distress, nausea and vomiting, eye irritation, headache, and so on The purpose of the present study was to determine Surgical Team' Knowledge of electrocautery smoke complications in the Educational hospitals in Birjand, 2011. Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study Surgical Team in Birjand Educational hospitals who were available were selected. After ensuring that they were content with and cooperate in the study, a researcher designed questionnaire was filled. The questionnaire included demographic questions (4 items) and knowledge questions (21 items) of electrocautery smoke complications. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software (V: 16), using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney at the significant level P<0.05. Results: Mean score Surgical Team ' knowledge of electrocautery smoke complications were 9.0±4.88 (of the total 21 points) that is, 57% of them had low knowledge of electrocautery smoke complications. Conclusions: Given the low level of knowledge about electrocautery smoke complications in Surgical Team, planning to enhance their knowledge through workshops and continuing education programs and training is essential.