Communication in Operating Theatre Department



CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The inadequate communication is one of the most important reasons of medical errors (Hicks et al, 2008). In the operating theatre department and operating room, communication is important in order to ensure the safety of patients. This study aims to identify the importance of communicating in the operating theatre environment.

The healthcare systems are considered to be fragmented organizations. These organizations have many shortcomings in responding to the demands of the modern community (Committee on the Quality of Health Care in America, 2001). The advancements in the area of medical knowledge have made promises of a healthier lifestyle. The advancements in the area of healthcare require increased collaboration from healthcare providers. Therefore, healthcare systems need to rely on effective communication in order to achieve the goal of an integrated healthcare system.

The need for effective communication in a healthcare setting is not only important for the purpose of developing an integrated healthcare system but also to increase the quality of work and reduce patients' misunderstandings (Lewis, 2002). Effective communication is the cornerstone of integrated healthcare. The effective communication in a healthcare setting has a direct impact on the outcomes of patients. The lack of effective communication in a healthcare setting results in medical errors. It also increases morbidity and mortality rates (Coiera, 2000).

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of this study are:

To identify effective communication

To identify different types of communication

To analyse the importance of communication in an operating theatre environment

Research Question

What is the importance of effective communication in an operating theatre environment?

How can communication reduce the risk of misunderstandings and increase the quality of work and maintain patient safety??

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW

The art of effective communication is a skill that few have mastered (Schambar, 1987). The importance of communication was recognised long ago—indeed, by Buddhists as one of the eight steps to enlightenment; the need to speak honestly in a supportive manner (Oostrum et al, 2008).

During the last few years, the importance of communication in an OT environment is increasing. The importance of communication in an OT environment plays a vital role in avoiding medical errors. However, less importance has been given to encourage communication in a healthcare setting, particularly operating theatre. In the United Kingdom, media reports have revealed poor outcomes for patients as a result of ineffective communication in an operating theatre environment. According to the studies conducted on the importance of communication in an OT environment, surgeons and nurses perceive OT as a private environment, particularly when patients are present. This perception of surgeons and nurses result in misunderstandings (Moss, Xio, and Zubidah, 2001).

In the setting of operating theatre staff-physicians, theatre practitioners are perceived to be the passive audience. Their ability to communicate in the operating room is constrained. The communication constraints of theatre staff in an operating room can be analysed in terms of their knowledge. The status of operating department practitioners, nurses and health care assistants in the healthcare setting is also ...