Are Operating Room Staff Aware of the Precautions to Be Taken During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

This study aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge levels of operating room staff regarding COVID-19 precautions. Conducted among 102 participants aged 18-65 at a university hospital in Turkey, data were collected using an Introductory Information Form and a questionnaire based on the World Health Organization's COVID-19 operating room precautions guide. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results showed that 82.4% of participants did not see the need for the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 case inquiry survey, while 88.2% believed standard infection precautions should be implemented. Additionally, 97.1% argued that surgeries for COVID-19 patients should be performed in a separate operating room, and 87.3% supported assigning additional personnel. 97.1% emphasized the importance of being informed about the control and disinfection of personal protective equipment, while 87.3% supported using long-cuff gloves, and 93.1% agreed with using disposable airway equipment. The rate of those who said unused products should be discarded after surgery was 93.1%, and 96.1% believed disposable equipment should be disposed of in biological waste bags. The results indicate that healthcare professionals generally follow COVID-19 precautions, but there are still gaps in knowledge. Therefore, regular training should be enhanced.