A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Norwegian OR Nurses' Patient Positioning Priorities

The purpose of patient positioning is to provide optimal surgical site exposure for surgical team members and prevent negative patient outcomes. This study explores perioperative nurses' experiences when positioning patients for surgery. We collected data using focus group interviews of 17 OR nurses in Norway and used qualitative content analysis to analyze the data. The study findings showed that perioperative nurses emphasized their most important priorities as concepts that can be categorized into three themes: leading and coordinating patient positioning, ensuring patient safety, and promoting efficient use of OR nurses' expertise. The study findings also identify a need to define formal responsibilities in patient positioning and processes for determining positioning outcomes. Perioperative leaders should verify OR nurse competence for patient positioning to help ensure continuity and safety in complex patient pathways.