Hair Removal Protocol

Following the Appropriate Hair Removal Protocol at HealthONE Hospitals in Denver, Colorado

Timeframe: January 2011 through March 2011
(Most Recent Data Available)

Timeframe: October 2009 through September 2010
(Yearly National and State Comparisons)

What Does This Measure?

This measures the percentage of surgery patients who needed hair removed from the surgical area before surgery via electric clippers or hair removal cream. A razor is not considered a safe method for removing hair.

Why Is This Important?

Research shows that removing body hair with a razor from skin in the area where the surgery will be done can increase the risk of infection. Electric clippers or hair removal cream are safer ways to remove hair.

What Are We Doing to Improve Our Performance? 

HealthONE hospitals have implemented several initiatives to improve our performance on this measure. These include:

• Electronic medication records
• Evidence-based medicine
• Nurse and physician training
• Patient safety and quality committee