An efficiently running operating room will prevent error and ensure the safety of patients. Operating theatres have many moving parts to conduct surgeries in an effective manner. These moving parts and other medical essentials should be arranged in a systematic way for physicians to do an operation in a calm and focused mind set. The safety of the patient depends on the sanitation of the tools used, quality of medications given and the procedure itself. Here are some recommendations to ensure patient safety in the operating theatre.
Team Performance
A successful surgery often rests on the coordination of the medical team. To create an effective setting in the theatre, verbal communication must take place between physicians and nurses. If the communication is poor, the functions inside the operating room will not run smoothly. It is important to observe each other’s performance during a surgery to prevent any errors that could put the patient’s life at risk. Also, the chief physician should oversee the work of others.
Arrangement of Supplies
When selecting medical instruments, make sure to purchase them from reliable hospital equipment suppliers. Determine what machines, tools and medications are needed in the operation theatre. Small tools like surgical knives and scissors should be laid out on top of a crash cart for better visibility. All supplies should be readily available to the physician. For a safe system, label the drugs and solutions and it will also help prevent delays in the procedure. Visit this link https://www.teammed.com.au/shop/?page=product_categories&cat_id=02.02&subcat_id=02.12 if you are looking for equipment for your hospital.
Sanitization
All tools in the operation theatre should be well sterilized to ensure maximum safety for the patient. Sterilization must be done to get rid of existing germs and bacteria from previous surgeries. All needles and masks used in the procedure should be brand new. Use an Ansell healthcare glove to avoid contaminating yourself when operating on the patient. In addition, the floor of the room, machines, bed spreads and doctor’s capes should be disinfected.
Preparing the Patient
The patient must be thoroughly evaluated before the surgery. Results of the patient’s lab tests, scans, and radiological exams should be available for reference in the operation theatre. The type of surgery the patient must undergo should be clearly stated in the documentation. In addition, safety procedures also include patient identification and accurate site markings to prevent wrong person or wrong site surgeries.
Every hospital must make an additional effort to improve patient safety protocols in operating theatres. Aside from these recommendation, keep in mind that an operating theatre should be free from any distractions. The maintenance of hygiene, a skilled medical team and well- functioning equipment are responsible for keeping the patient safe.