Unit 428: Perioperative Theatre Safety

1. Introduction to Perioperative Theatre Safety

• Importance of theatre safety in surgical outcomes
• Key principles: patient safety, risk minimization, teamwork
• Overview of regulations and guidelines (e.g., WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, local/national standards)

2. Preoperative Safety Protocols

• Patient identification methods (ID bands, verbal confirmation)
• Surgical site marking: techniques and importance
• Verification of surgical equipment and instruments
• Preoperative checklist and timeout procedures

3. Surgical Team Communication and Collaboration

• Roles and responsibilities of perioperative team members
• Communication tools and techniques (SBAR, briefings, debriefings)
• Conflict resolution and fostering teamwork
• Impact of communication on patient safety and outcomes

4. Infection Prevention and Control in the Operating Room

• Principles of infection control specific to surgery
• Hand hygiene protocols and compliance
• Sterilization and disinfection methods for instruments
• Environmental cleaning and maintenance of sterile fields
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

5. Anesthesia Safety and Monitoring

• Pre-anesthesia assessment and preparation
• Safe administration of anesthesia drugs
• Continuous patient monitoring (vital signs, oxygenation, anesthesia depth)
• Collaboration between anesthesia and surgical teams
• Managing anesthesia-related complications

6. Surgical Fire Safety

• Causes and risk factors of surgical fires
• Prevention strategies: controlling ignition sources, fuel, and oxidizers
• Emergency response protocols during a fire
• Importance of regular fire drills and staff training

7. Patient Positioning and Pressure Injury Prevention

• Principles of safe patient positioning
• Techniques to avoid nerve damage and musculoskeletal strain
• Use of positioning devices and padding
• Monitoring and documenting skin integrity

8. Equipment Safety and Maintenance

• Inspection protocols before, during, and after use
• Routine maintenance schedules
• Reporting and managing faulty or damaged equipment
• Safe handling and storage of instruments

9. Emergency Preparedness and Response in the Operating Room

• Common perioperative emergencies (cardiac arrest, hemorrhage, airway obstruction)
• Emergency protocols and algorithms (e.g., ACLS, massive transfusion protocol)
• Roles and responsibilities during an emergency
• Post-emergency debrief and documentation