Operating Room Nurses Research Articles

Exploring the competencies of operating room nurses in mobile surgical teams based on the Onion Model: a qualitative study

BackgroundWith the frequent occurrence of public health emergencies, conflicts and natural disasters around the world, mobile surgical teams are becoming more crucial. The competency of the operating room (OR) nurse has a substantial impact on the effectiveness and quality of the surgical team’s treatment, still there is limited knowledge about OR nurse competencies in mobile surgical teams. This study aimed to explore the competencies of OR nurses in mobile surgical teams based on the Onion Model.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative descriptive study of participants from 10 mobile surgical teams in 2022. Twenty-one surgical team members were interviewed, including 15 OR nurses, four surgeons, and two anesthesiologists. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using Mayring’s content analysis.ResultsTwenty-eight competencies were found in the data analysis, which were grouped into four major domains using the Onion Model. From the outer layer to the inner layer were knowledge and skills, professional abilities, professional quality, and personal traits. The qualitative data revealed several novel competencies, including triage knowledge, self and mutual medical aid, outdoor survival skills, and sense of discipline.ConclusionsThe application of the Onion Model promotes the understanding of competency and strengthens the theoretical foundations of this study. New competencies can enrich the content of the competencies of OR nurses. The results of this study can be used for clinical recruitment, evaluation and training of OR nurses in mobile surgical teams. This study encourages further research to develop competency assessment tools and training programs for OR nurses.

Retracted: Analysis of Factors Influencing Safety Attitudes of Operating Room Nurses and Their Cognition and Attitudes toward Adverse Event Reporting.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/8315511.].

Compassion levels of surgical and operating room nurses

Compassion levels of surgical and operating room nurses

중소병원 수술실 간호사의 방사선 방어행위 영향요인

중소병원 수술실 간호사의 방사선 방어행위 영향요인

A digital medical tool for health care professionals communication with minority speaking heart surgery patients during hospitalization: A qualitative study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Foundation Dam Background/Introduction Despite today’s high-technology society, communications with minority speaking heart patients in hospitals still depend on non-verbal language, notes from informal caregivers and "google translate" in situations where interpreters are not available. Digital solutions may be of help, but research into this area is limited. Innovative research exploring the use of a 24-7 digital medical translation tool is needed prior to hospital implementation. Purpose To explore the health care professionals’ experiences using a digital, medical translation tool in communication with minority speaking heart surgery patients during hospitalization. Methods A digital medical translation tool was customized for use in communication with hospitalized heart surgery patients by including standardized checklists for safe surgery and phrases for symptom assessment. Then qualitative interviews with health care professionals, ultimately using the digital translation tool presented on a tablet with text and audio were performed a) at the hotel/ward, b) preoperatively by both operating room nurses and anaesthesia nurses at the operating room, c) in a postoperative unit, d) in an intermediary unit, and e) at the cardiothoracic ward. A semi-structured interview guide was used during face-to-face interview at a university hospital in Norway and were carried out during November – December 2022. Data analyses were performed in NVivo software tool, following Braun and Clarke`s thematic analysis process. Results A total of 24 healthcare professionals, 22 nurses and two physiotherapists, mean age of 33 (range 23-57 years), and a mean of 9.5 years of professional experience, were interviewed shortly after they had cared for a minority speaking heart surgery patient at their health care unit. Four main themes were identified: i) useful and user-friendly tool, ii) establishing trust with the patient, iii) mapping patients’ symptoms and needs and iv) safe translation reassures health care professionals communication with heart surgery patients. The digital medical translation tool was experienced as easy to navigate in and useful to inform the patient, for example about medications, and to build trust by communicating with the patient in their own language. Being able to secure mapping of patients’ symptoms, especially pain, was underlined as a highly positive experience. Health care professionals reported experiencing the minority speaking patients as understanding the information when communicating through the digital medical translation tool. Conclusions Health care professionals responsible for caring for the minority speaking heart surgery patients during hospitalization experienced the digital medical translation tool to improve communication in a safe and trustworthy way. The digital translation tool appeared to provide useful support and strengthen patient safety, increasing the quality of health care even without the presence of an interpreter.

The compatibility of exoskeletons in perioperative environments and workflows: an analysis of surgical team members’ perspectives and workflow simulation

Surgical team members in perioperative environments experience high physical demands. Interventions such as exoskeletons, external wearable devices that support users, have the potential to reduce these work-related physical demands. However, barriers such as workplace environment and task compatibility may limit exoskeleton implementation. This study gathered the perspectives of 33 surgical team members: 12 surgeons, four surgical residents, seven operating room (OR) nurses, seven surgical technicians (STs), two central processing technicians (CPTs), and one infection control nurse to understand their workplace compatibility. Team members were introduced to passive exoskeletons via demonstrations, after which surgical staff (OR nurses, STs, and CPTs) were led through a simulated workflow walkthrough where they completed tasks representative of their workday. Five themes emerged from the interviews (workflow, user needs, hindrances, motivation for intervention, and acceptance) with unique subthemes for each population. Overall, exoskeletons were largely compatible with the duties and workflow of surgical team members.

Orientation to the Operating Room: An Acute Care Hospital and Local Technical College Partner for Success.

A hospital system and a local college formed a partnership to create a customized orientation program for novice operating room nurses. Perioperative online modules, hands-on skills laboratories facilitated by qualified faculty, and clinical time with a preceptor were the foundations of the program. Outcomes included cost savings of 1.5 million dollars, increased nurse retention rates, and improved examination scores. Nursing professional development practitioners can utilize this model for operating room orientation best practice.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire for assessment of exposure to chemical hazards in operating room nurses

BackgroundOccupational hazards are a significant cause of death in the world. Healthcare workers are highly exposed to a variety of physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychological risks. Chemical hazards are one of the threatening factors for operating room nurses and cause many complications for their health. ObjectivesThe present study aimed at developing the psychometric properties of a questionnaire for evaluation of exposure to chemical hazards in operating room nurses. MethodsThe present methodological study was performed in two stages: first, the items of the questionnaire were developed based on the findings of a qualitative study and a literature review; and second, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were measured using the methods to evaluate face, content, and construct validities. To assess construct validity of the questionnaire, the researchers measured divergent validity. The reliability was measured through an assessment of the internal homogeneity and consistency of the questionnaire. ResultsIn the first stage of the study, 35 items were developed according to the results of a qualitative study, review of relevant literature and several meetings with experts. The content validity ratio (CVR) of all the items was greater than 0.49. The content validity index (CVI) of all the items was over 0.79. The average CVI (S-CVI/Ave) of the questionnaire with 13 items was 0.98. Kuder-Richardson coefficient for the internal homogeneity of the instrument was found to be 0.70 and the results of the test–retest showed its consistency to be 0.88. ConclusionsThe results of the current study showed that the present questionnaire is sufficiently valid and reliable to evaluate the exposure to chemical hazards in operating room nurses.

Determination of Individual Innovation Characteristics of Operating Room Nurses

Determination of Individual Innovation Characteristics of Operating Room Nurses

The Effect of Visits by Operating Room Nurses Before Cardiac Surgery on Anxiety and Pain Management

Further studies are needed in line with the Enhanced Recovery for Cardiac Surgery (ERCS) protocols with a view to reducing anxiety and opioid use in cardiac surgery patients. The present study investigates the effects of preoperative visits by operating room nurses to patients scheduled for cardiac surgery on postoperative anxiety, pain severity and frequency, and the type and dose of analgesic medication. This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design involving nonrandomized groups. The study was conducted in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of a Foundation University Hospital in Turkey between August 20, 2020 and April 15, 2021. Included in the study were patients selected based on a nonprobability sampling approach who met the study inclusion criteria (aged 18-75 years, no psychiatric diagnosis or drug use, first cardiovascular surgery experience, scheduled for elective surgery, up to five coronary anastomoses, literate and able to speak and understand Turkish, undergoing cardiovascular surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)) determined by the researcher. The treatment group was visited preoperatively by operating room nurses, and followed-up for the first 72 hours after surgery. The intervention was effective in reducing postoperative state anxiety levels (P < .05). In the control group, each one-point increase in the preoperative state-anxiety level caused a 9% increase in the length of stay in the intensive care unit (P < .05). Pain severity increased as the preoperative state-anxiety and trait-anxiety levels, and the postoperative state-anxiety levels, increased (P < .05). While there was no significant difference in pain severity, the intervention proved to be effective in reducing pain frequency (P < .05). It was further noted that the intervention reduced the use of opioid and nonopioid analgesics for the first 12 hours (P < .05). The probability of using opioid analgesics increased 1.56 times (P < .05) with each one-point increase in pain severity reported by the patients. The participation of operating room nurses in preoperative patient care can contribute to the management of anxiety and pain and the reduction of opioids. It is recommended that such an approach be implemented as an independent nursing intervention given the potential contribution to ERCS protocols.

Psychometric validation of the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised Short Form.

To develop a parsimonious, shortened version of the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised for perioperative nurses to complete as part of their specialty training while retaining good psychometric properties. A longitudinal online survey was adopted. A national sample of perioperative nurses from Australia completed an online survey at two different time points 6 months apart between February and October 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for item reduction and construct validity, while criterion, convergent validity and internal consistency were examined. Usable data for psychometric assessment were obtained from 485 operating room nurses at time 1 and 164 nurses at time 2. The original 40-item revised scale was reduced to an 18-item measure, maintaining its six domains. Cronbach's alpha for the 18-item scale was .92 at time 1 and .90 at time 2. Scale validation demonstrated moderate to weak positive relationships in perceived competence scores relative to general self-efficacy, years of operating room experience, postgraduate education and recency of training. Results suggest the 18-item Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised Short Form has initial robust psychometric properties and may be implemented in clinical settings as part of perioperative transition-to-practice, orientation programs and yearly professional development reviews. This short-form scale can help prepare perioperative nurses to demonstrate clinical competence in a climate of increasing professional demands using a valid measure of competence required in clinical practice. Short and validated scales of perioperative competence are needed in clinical practice. Assessment of practising operating room nurses' perceived competence is essential in quality care provision, workforce planning and human resource management. This study provides an 18-item measure of the previously validated 40-item Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised. This scale can help provide an option for future testing of perioperative nurses' competence in clinical or research settings. Perioperative nurses were involved in the design of the study, particularly in the assessment of validation of the tools used in the study.

Association Between Sunlight Exposure and Mental Health: Evidence from a Special Population Without Sunlight in Work.

In recent years, mental health problems have become the most serious social problems worldwide. Past studies have proposed that some links exist between sunlight and mental health; however, relevant studies examining low-dose sunlight exposure populations are lacking. We conducted a study among a group of operating room nurses (ORNs) who work long hours in operating rooms and have limited sunlight exposure. We aim to add to and refine previous researches on the association between mental health and sunlight exposure in community population. A total of 787 ORNs were interviewed and analyzed. Mental health, sunlight exposure duration, sociodemographic and work-related variables, and chronic diseases were evaluated. The Kessler 10 scale (K10) was used to assess participants' mental health status, and their sunlight exposure duration was assessed using their self-reports. Multiple linear regression analysis was adopted to examine the association between sunlight exposure and mental health. The average K10 score of ORNs was 25.41. ORNs exhibit poorer mental health than other populations. Poor mental health was negatively associated with greater sunlight exposure hours per day (β=-0.378) and sleep regularity (β=-3.341). Poor mental health was positively associated with chronic disease (β=3.514). This study indicated that the positive association between sunlight exposure and mental health existed. Appropriate enhancement of sunlight exposure will be beneficial to mental health. Hospitals, related organizations and individuals should pay greater attention to ORNs' mental health and sunlight exposure conditions. More policy recommendations as well as building structure recommendations should be proposed.

Mediating role of psychological distress in the associations between medical errors, adverse events, suicidal ideation and plan among operating room nurses in China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesMedical errors (MEs) and adverse events (AEs) both had long-term impacts on healthcare professionals. Studies investigated the associations between MEs, AEs, psychological distress and suicidal behaviours among healthcare professionals. The...

Knowledge and Educational Needs for Medical Devices Reprocessing among Central Supply Room and Operating Room Nurses

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the knowledge and educational needs of operating room(OR) and central supply room (CSR) nurses about medical equipment reprocessing .Methods: The subjects were 148 operating room and central supply room nurses working at 13 general hospitals in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The descriptive study surveyed knowledge and educational needs about medical device reprocessing among nurses. Data were collected from April 1 to May 20, 2022 and, analyzed using the mean and standard deviation, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance with SPSS 27.0.Results: The participants were 66 CSR nurses and 82 OR nurses. The score for knowledge was 26.93±4.14 and the highest score in knowledge and educational needs was found for sterilization indicators. The number of beds was significantly associated with knowledge (F=3.16, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.046), and OR nurses had higher scores for educational needs than CSR nurses (t=3.28, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001). Exposure to external education was associated with a higher score for educational needs (t=1.73, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=043). In knowledge, significant differences according to the current department were found for return and cleaning (t=-4.02, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001) and, sterilization methods (t=2.57, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.006). Regarding educational needs, significant differences were found according to the current department in return and cleaning (t=2.83, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.003), packing (t=2.85, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.003), sterilization methods (t=3.29, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001). Sterilization indicators (t=2.26, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.013), and sterilization maintenance and release (t=3.85, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001).Conclusion: The risk of medical device related infection should be minimized through correct reprocessing. It is necessary to develop an educational program for nurses in charge of reprocessing.

Determining knowledge and attitudes related to pressure injury prevention among operating room nurses and associated factors

AimTo determine attitudes and levels of knowledge related to pressure injury (PI) prevention among operating room nurses and identify associated factors. MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey with a sample of 112 operating room nurses recruited by the snowball method of convenience sampling. Data were collected online via Google Forms using a nurse data collection form, the Knowledge of Operating Room Nurses about Pressure Injuries Form, and the Attitude Towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument (APuP). ResultsThe operating room nurses' mean score for PI knowledge was 52.19 ± 17.01 out of 100, and their mean total APuP score was 42.28 ± 5.19 out of 52. Knowledge about PIs was negatively associated with being male (β = −0.287, p < 0.001) and positively associated with intervening to prevent PIs during surgery (β = 0.214, p = 0.008), using international PI guidelines as a reference in the operating room (β = −0.225, p = 0.005), and APuP score (β=.415, p < 0.001). Intervening to prevent PIs during surgery (β = 0.294, p = 0.003) was a significant predictor of attitude toward PI prevention. ConclusionOur results indicate that overall, operating room nurses have insufficient knowledge but positive attitudes about PI prevention. Female gender, using international PI reference guides in the operating room, and positive attitude toward PI prevention were identified as factors associated with higher PI knowledge level, while intervening to prevent PIs during surgery was positively associated with both knowledge level and attitude toward PI prevention.

Studi Kasus: Penerapan Perioperatif Care Pada Diagnosa Cholelithiasis Dengan Tindakan Operasi Kolesistektomi Laparatomi

Cholelithiasis or gallstones are pieces of solid material that form in the gallbladder. Gallstone disease or cholelithiasis is often found in various countries, including Indonesia. One of the collaborative actions to overcome the problem of cholelithiasis is cholecytectomy surgery. This case study aims to determine the application of perioperative care in patients with a diagnosis of cholelithiasis by laparotomy for cholecystectomy. The method in this study was a case study in cholelithiasis patients by providing intervention and care at the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative stages. The results of this case study indicate that the application of perioperative care by intervening reduces preoperative anxiety, controls bleeding and controls infection during surgery, prevents falls and reduces postoperative pain. It can be concluded that the application of perioperative care as an action performed by operating room nurses as well as surgeons and anesthesiologists in order to prepare patients for surgery with the aim of ensuring intraoperative patient safety. For health workers, both doctors and nurses, they always provide education related to a healthy lifestyle. Nurses monitor perioperative patients, educate patients and provide nursing care. In addition, it also informs the team about changes in patient status, and evaluates post-surgery.

Crisis Scenarios for Simulation-Based Nontechnical Skills Training for Cardiac Surgery Teams: A National Survey Among Cardiac Anesthesiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiac Operating Room Nurses.

Nontechnical skills in cardiac surgery are vital in ensuring patient safety in the operating room (OR). To train these skills in a simulation-based scenario, a collection of commonly accepted crisis scenarios is needed to serve as a framework for a simulation-based training program. The objective of this study was to identify and reach consensus on a collection of relevant crisis scenarios in cardiac surgery suitable for simulation-based team training focusing on nontechnical skills. Using the Delphi method, a national assessment was performed among cardiac surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiac OR nurses in the Netherlands. In the first Delphi round, potential crisis scenarios for simulation-based team training in cardiac surgery were identified. In the second round, the identified scenarios were rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Finally, based on consensus (two-thirds majority), scenarios were prioritized and explored for feasibility. One hundred fourteen experts participated in the study (26 cardiac anesthesiologists, 24 cardiac surgeons, 25 clinical perfusionists, and 39 OR nurses), representing all 16 cardiac surgical centers in the Netherlands. In the first round, 237 scenarios were identified. After eliminating duplicates and grouping similar scenarios, 44 scenarios were scored in round 2, which finally resulted in 13 relevant crisis scenarios with an expert consensus higher than 67%. Thirteen crisis scenarios relevant to simulation-based team training were identified by an expert panel consisting of all members of the cardiac surgical team. Further research is needed to evaluate the educational value of the respective scenarios.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Partner’s Presence in OT for Elective C-Section: A Caribbean Perspective

Objective: It is current practice in our setting to not admit a partner in the Caesarean room even though this is becoming commonplace in various countries. This study is designed to determine the views of healthcare workers, postpartum mothers and their accompanying partners on having a partner present during an elective Caesarean section at Port of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad, West Indies. Design: 94 participants were selected, a questionnaire was given to healthcare workers, patients and partners in November/ December 2021 to investigate the viewpoint of anaesthetists, obstetricians, midwives, operating room nurses, pregnant/post-partum mothers and their accompanying partners. Results: 70% of respondents were in favour of a partner being present in the operating room for an elective Caesarean section and thought it would help to keep the mother at ease by allowing her to hold hands with the partner, talk to them and be accompanied by them to the recovery room. Healthcare workers did not think that male partners had a role to play in the operating room as they would not know what to do and may actually pose a security threat if the operation did not go exactly as planned. Conclusions: Healthcare workers were neutral to the concept of a partner being present in the Caesarean room, while mothers and partners supported the idea. Future studies are needed to confirm if these observations are comparable among other public hospitals in other territories in the developing world where partner accompaniment is not a priority to mothers.

INVESTIGATION OF THE ANXIETY LEVEL DUE TO COVID-19 IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS WORKING IN THE OPERATING ROOM

Objective : With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have been at the forefront of the fight against this disease. This infection, which affects the whole world, has created a situation that causes concern for healthcare workers. In this study, we aimed to examine the level of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers working in the operating room unit.&#x0D; &#x0D; Material and Methods: Doctors, operating room nurses, anesthesia technicians and operating room cleaning staff working in the operating room units of various hospitals in Malatya were included in the study. By sending the survey link via Whatsapp, the survey was answered via https://docs.google.com/forms. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, developed by Ahorsu et al. was used in our questionnaire.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: We found that the average of the COVID-19 anxiety level of the anesthesia technicians was statistically significantly higher than the nurses,operating room cleaning staff and doctors.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The provision of safe working conditions should be included in health policies in order to minimize the anxiety caused by the COVID-19 epidemic on healthcare workers.

Operating Room Nursing: Integration of Nurses into the Field

The operating room is a specific workplace that requires operating room nurses to possess key competencies in the areas of perioperative healthcare, ethics, legislation, communication, and organizational skills, with continuous professional development through education and research. This knowledge will be acquired through basic and specialized training, which will continue to be integrated into the process in the field of perioperative care in a targeted manner. The need for immediate and effective action by nurses in the operating room in unpredictable situations requires them to respond appropriately, which requires knowledge and practice only possible through structured formal training. These trainings have clear learning outcomes and competencies for knowledge assessment procedures. The current challenge is poorly designed processes for integrating inexperienced staff into perioperative care without explicit requirements to complete perioperative specialist training.