Unit 237 - Perioperative Theatre Safety

1. Introduction to Perioperative Theatre Safety

• Importance of safety in perioperative settings
• Overview of potential risks and hazards in the operating theatre
  • Biological hazards
  • Chemical hazards
  • Physical hazards
• Impact of safety breaches on patient outcomes and staff wellbeing

2. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Perioperative Theatre

• Definition and purpose of SOPs
• Key SOPs for safety maintenance
  • Infection control protocols
  • Equipment handling and maintenance procedures
  • Emergency response protocols
• Documentation and adherence to SOPs
• Continuous improvement and SOP updates

3. Sterilization and Disinfection Practices

• Importance of sterilization and disinfection
• Types of sterilization methods
  • Autoclaving
  • Chemical sterilization
  • Dry heat sterilization
• Disinfection techniques and agents
• Protocols for surgical instruments
• Environmental cleaning standards

4. Patient Safety in the Operating Room

• Preoperative patient identification and verification
• Surgical safety checklists (e.g., WHO Surgical Safety Checklist)
• Positioning and monitoring during surgery
• Preventing patient injuries and complications
• Documentation and reporting of safety incidents

5. Team Communication and Collaboration

• Importance of effective communication in perioperative care
• Communication tools and strategies
  • Briefings and debriefings
  • Closed-loop communication
• Roles and responsibilities of perioperative team members
• Conflict resolution and teamwork enhancement

6. Surgical Fire Safety

• Causes and risk factors for surgical fires
  • Oxygen enrichment
  • Ignition sources
  • Fuel sources
• Preventive measures
• Use of fire safety equipment
• Emergency response protocols for surgical fires

7. Anesthesia Safety Precautions

• Overview of anesthesia risks
• Pre-anesthesia assessment and preparation
• Monitoring techniques during anesthesia
• Equipment safety checks
• Management of anesthesia complications

8. Minimizing Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)

• Definition and impact of SSIs
• Risk factors for SSIs
• Aseptic techniques and sterile field maintenance
• Wound care protocols
• Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines

9. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Types of emergencies in the operating room
• Emergency protocols and drills
• Availability and maintenance of emergency equipment
• Roles and responsibilities during emergencies
• Post-emergency incident review

10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Operating Room

• Types of PPE used in perioperative settings
  • Gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, respirators
• Correct use and disposal of PPE
• Importance of PPE in infection prevention
• Training and compliance monitoring