Overview of the importance of safety in the perioperative setting, understanding the risks involved, and the impact of safety precautions on patient outcomes.
Introduction to Peri‑operative Theatre Safety
(Designed as quick‑reference notes for students, new staff, or anyone needing a concise overview.)
| Domain | Key Elements | Typical Checks/Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | • Clean, well‑lit, temperature‑controlled space • Adequate ventilation (air changes, laminar flow where required) • Noise and clutter control |
• Verify temperature (18‑24 °C) and humidity (30‑60 %). • Confirm air‑filter integrity & flow rates. • Remove unnecessary equipment before “scrub‑in”. |
| Equipment | • Functional surgical tables, lights, monitors, anesthesia machines • Sterile instruments & supplies • Backup power & emergency equipment |
• Perform pre‑op equipment checklist (e.g., “Surgical Safety Checklist – Equipment”). • Test alarms, battery life, and suction. • Keep a fully stocked emergency cart within reach. |
| Personnel | • Trained surgical, anesthesia, nursing, and support staff • Clear role allocation (lead surgeon, circulating nurse, scrub tech, etc.) • Proper PPE use |
• Conduct a “time‑out” to confirm team members and roles. • Verify hand‑washing, glove donning, and gowning. |
| Processes & Protocols | • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) • WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (Sign‑in, Time‑out, Sign‑out) • Incident reporting & root‑cause analysis |
• Run the checklist at the three critical points. • Document any deviations and corrective actions. |
| Communication | • Closed‑loop verbal orders • Use of standardized language (e.g., “read‑back”) • Briefing & debriefing sessions |
• Repeat critical information (drug dose, patient ID). • Conduct a post‑op debrief to capture lessons learned. |
| Infection Control | • Sterile field maintenance • Antibiotic prophylaxis timing • Surgical hand antisepsis |
• Apply WHO “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene”. • Verify prophylactic antibiotic administered within 60 min of incision. |
| Patient Identification | • Two‑identifier verification (name + MRN, or name + DOB) • Wristband check |
• Confirm identifiers at sign‑in, before induction, and before skin closure. |
| Medication Safety | • Double‑check high‑risk drugs (e.g., muscle relaxants, opioids) • Use of barcode scanning where available |
• Perform “read‑back” of drug name, concentration, dose, route. |
| Radiation Safety (if applicable) | • Lead shielding, dosimeters, ALARA principle | • Verify equipment settings, wear personal dosimeters, document exposure time. |