Peeling Back the Mystery: Nurses & Doctors’ Perspective

Our last group that we spoke to are arguably the ones whose voices matter most—Doctors and Nurses. They use the devices and packaging every day and see firsthand what works and doesn’t. And at the end of the day, every MDM, sterilizer, designer, and test lab has the same end goal: to deliver a final product to the medical staff that is safe for the patient. With this in mind, we spoke to a variety of nurses and doctors (operating room, ICU, labor & delivery, orthopedics) to better understand their thoughts and perspectives on single vs. double sterile barrier systems.

All the nurses and doctors we spoke with said they saw double sterile barrier systems daily and that they tended to be, like MDMs shared, for devices that were for orthopedics, implants, or of high risk & value.

“ In the world of orthopedic implants, I would say that most of our devices are double pouched. For example, a total knee replacement will have an outer package, which is then opened. The scrub tech will reach in and grab the inner package, which is completely sterile. And then finally open the inner package with the implant on the sterile back table.” - Orthopedic Doctor

When it came to what doctors and nurses preferred, the opinions were strong and were consistent with what our MDMs shared about double barrier tending to be the preference. Here are what some of the nurses and doctors had to say:

“I prefer double pouch because it is an additional safeguard against somebody else (a scrub tech that you may or may not trust) contaminating your surgery.” – Orthopedic Doctor

“Double for patient safety, sterile field setup, and maintenance. It doesn't really change the experience too much because the double pouch is necessary when we're working with such high-risk patients.” – RN, ICU or Labor & Delivery

“It (double barrier) also keeps the tools together, especially when you have a kit, which is important for nurses.” – RN, ICU or Labor & Delivery

“I prefer the single pouching when it is something that is not as concerning re: sterility – like a dressing or gauze, where I could toss it aside if it looks like the packaging is compromised and grab another. Single is for quick opening.” – RN, Operating Room

As we continue to explore the pros and cons of double sterile barrier systems and have conversations with other industry experts, we’ll add to this series. Be sure to check back as we continue to learn more.