Commonwealth University in Richmond. "There's no evidence on per-
sonal scrub hats; there are (just) strong opinions."
Some even question AORN's interpretation of available evidence. "I
have gone to and looked up the evidence myself in the original
sources and often have found that AORN extrapolates info they want,
to make the case they want," says a clinical educator from
Indianapolis. "I agree with many of the AORN recommendations on
attire and jewelry, but their references are so outdated it's very hard
to defend."
And it isn't just the guidance about surgical caps that elicits con-
tempt. "My favorite most ridiculous rule is shoe covers," says Dr.
Kaplan. "How does a shoe cover protect a patient?"
AORN's recommendation that perioperative staff wear long sleeved
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