Operationssjuksköterskan-en sterilklädd dörrvakt? En observationsstudie
DörröppningarUppmärksamhetPatientsäkerhetVentilationOperationssjuksköterskaDoor openingsPatient safetyAttentionOperating room nurseVentilation
Current research shows that the number of door openings during surgery is unjustifiably high. It is the operating room nurses task to ensure a hygienic and aseptic environment throughout the surgery with the goal of minimizing the risk of healthcare associated infection. The study aims to investigate whether the operating room nurse is attentive to the number of door openings during surgery and if the operating room nurse is attentive to the reasons behind the door openings. A pilot study with nine observations was carried out on two smaller hospitals in the region of Västra Götaland. The results showed a significant underestimation of the rated door openings compared with the actual ones. One reason that the number of door openings was underestimated may be that operating room nurses focus has been collaboration with the operator. In five of the nine observations had the operating room nurse noted the most common cause of the door openings. The operating room nurse has the responsibility for sterility and asepsis but the responsibility for reducing the number of door openings should concern the entire surgical team to a greater extent. Continuous information to all operational staff about the consequences of door openings is also of great importance.