Behind the Mask: How Strong Communication Keeps Patients Safe
- Ginny Yelverton BSN-RN
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Communication in the operating room (OR) is not only necessary to ensure that cases run smoothly, but also to ensure that patients are kept safe. The two primary goals of an OR nurse are to ensure that surgeons have all the necessary equipment to perform surgery and to ensure patient safety during these procedures. This can only occur when communication is present and effective.
Where does communication start?
When the surgeon schedules a surgery, they must communicate with the surgical director if special supplies are required. For example, orthopedic cases often need special implants. The director can then communicate with other OR staff members and vendors if needed, to ensure that supplies are readily available. If these items are not available at the time the surgery is scheduled, they can be requested and hopefully delivered by the day of the anticipated surgery. Occasionally, there is a delay in supplies being delivered. This delay must be communicated to the patient before the patient arrives for surgery, so that the patient does not make plans for surgery when the OR does not have everything for the surgery. Occasionally, the patient will arrive the day of surgery, be prepped for surgery, and be cancelled last minute, causing frustration that could have been avoided if proper communication had taken place.
Communication on the day of surgery
The morning of the surgery, it is important for the surgical team to communicate that all supplies are available. It is also important to communicate patient allergies and risks, including the anticipated fire score. If the surgeon is planning to use any new equipment or techniques, communicating with the team before setting up the surgery is helpful to ensure that the team understands. This also allows time for team members to ask questions or make suggestions in efforts to ensure the patient is kept safe. This communication also ensures the best possible outcomes.
Communication during surgery
It is important that during surgery, everyone is focused on the patient outcomes and safety. Something as simple as the OR charge nurse distracting the surgeon with questions about another case unrelated to the current case can shift the team's focus. A strong team will recognize the distraction and refocus quickly on the task at hand. There is always a chance that a procedure can become difficult. Communicating prior to the procedure and anticipating difficulties helps diffuse frustration between the surgeon and the surgical team. Instead of everyone panicking and becoming upset, the surgeon and team work together to achieve the overall goal of the procedure while keeping the patient safe.
Communication after surgery
After the procedure, the surgeon and team will debrief. Discussion includes what was done during the procedure and the names of specimens obtained. Focus is also made regarding what could be done differently (if needed) to improve the procedure the next time it takes place. When time is taken for this type of communication to be practiced, team members feel valued, thus improving working relationships. Overall, everyone is reminded and recognizes that the ultimate goal of patient safety has been accomplished.
Osborne-Smith L, Kyle Hodgen R. Communication in the Operating Room Setting. Annu Rev Nurs Res. 2017 Jan;35(1):55-69. doi: 10.1891/0739-6686.35.55. PMID: 27935774.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
