Exploring the views of peri-operative nurses regarding efficient operating theatre room preparation in a selected private hospital

Abstract

Operating room efficiency continues to be a high priority for hospitals throughout the world. Operating theatres are valuable and costly resources that require adequate human resources, appropriate design, and are well equipped for efficient, quality, and safe patient care. Efficiency in operating theatre rooms is reported in terms of theatre start time, turnover time between cases, and number of cancellations. The preparation of the operating room is an important factor that contributes to efficiency. It requires that nurses ensure equipment, supplies, and instruments are readily available. The researcher observed that in the selected hospital, personnel had to leave the operating room during the procedure to fetch equipment or supplies that should have been available prior to the procedure. This practice might lead to delays and inefficiency in utilising theatre time. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of peri-operative nurses’ experiences in the operating theatre with regards to preparation of the operating theatre room. The study aimed to explore and describe the views of peri-operative nurses regarding preparation of theatres. The researcher employed a qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design for this study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted following purposive sampling of participants. Rich data was gathered and thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. Four themes emerged during data analysis which encapsulated the views of the sample of peri-operative nurses regarding preparation of operating theatre room. Theme one reflected that the preparation of the operating room was important because it prevented additional costs to patients and positively enhanced patients’ experiences. Theme two reflected that preparing an operating room aids in the prevention of medical legal risks, surgical site infection, and allows peri-operative nurses to provide better care for patients’ wellbeing. Theme three highlighted the factors that enhance efficient preparation of the operating room, such as updated doctors’ protocols and checklists. Theme four displayed the role of having sufficient staff in allowing peri-operative nurses to prepare the operating room adequately. Furthermore, based on these findings, recommendations were offered to enhance the efficient preparation of operating theatre rooms. The recommendations may be used by peri-operative nurses, hospital management, and doctors.