OR Behavior Rules

Clinical Objective

Define the movement, speech, and interaction rules for personnel in the operating room during a case to minimize air turbulence, particulate generation, and field contamination.

Why This Matters

Movement and speech increase particulate counts in the air. The most carefully prepared sterile field can be compromised by undisciplined room behavior during the case.

Critical Control Points

• No unnecessary movement during contamination-sensitive phases

• Speech limited to clinically necessary communication

• Sterile boundaries respected by every team member

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. 1

   Brief all personnel on movement and speech expectations before the case begins.

2. 2

   During implant placement and other sensitive phases, all non-essential movement pauses.

3. 3

   Personnel approach the sterile field only with explicit purpose and verbal acknowledgment.

4. 4

   Avoid leaning over sterile surfaces; pass items around or below the field, never across.

5. 5

   Keep voices low and conversation clinical — minimize aerosol generation.

6. 6

   If movement is required, do so deliberately — no abrupt actions near the field.

Key Pitfalls

• Casual conversation during the case — every word produces aerosol.

• Leaning across the field to read a monitor — establishes a contamination corridor.

• Personnel pacing in and out of the OR for unrelated tasks.