Communication in the OR & Valuing Senior OR Staff

Posted at 05 January 2024 in Patient Safety,Scrub by Marrianne

The operating room is an environment where the room for error is minimal and time is always critical.
Surgery is becoming more complex, technical & challenging, which is why, communication & experience should be valued, especially when it comes to operating room professionals.

Effective verbal, observation & listening skills are qualities all surgical team members must demonstrate. Rothrock (2011) states that, “ improved communication is imbedded in human factors, culture, and social systems, all of which are more complex than checklists, mnemonics, and acronyms”.

A senior and experienced OR nurse, ST or ODP is able to recognise a change in the environment, they are able to ‘read the room’ & assess where attention should be focused.

They are able to ask concise questions at pivotal moments.

Example, does the laparoscopic or robotic case need to be ‘opened’? If so what trays & equipment do I require? Is there a bleeding vessel, are more fluids required for irrigation, are additional clips, ties, endoloops required?

Senior staff are able to think ahead because of their experience and surgical exposure especially if they are skilled across multiple surgical specialties.

Time can be critical during these intense moments and cohesive teamwork is vital in reducing surgical time. Surgical errors and complications arise when there is tension.

Time and experience matter, and there is usually a higher cost for these skilled clinicians, is the money worth it? Yes indeed!

Experienced OR staff  bring a wealth of experience, they have trouble shooting skills & clinical knowledge, they are able to think quickly and prioritize the needs of the surgical team.

Surgical time can have a direct impact on a patient, leading to longer post-op recovery which can impact on reduced bed availability and increased hospital costs.

Thank you to all the senior operating room professionals who have a wealth of skills and experience. Never forget how valuable you are.