Non-technical skills in operating room nursing: Ethical aspects

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Ethics
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Non-technical skills are essential cognitive and interpersonal abilities that complement technical expertise in healthcare.
• Ethical practice in the operating room requires nurses to make decisions that are clinically, technically, and morally sound.
• Respect for human dignity is a cornerstone of responsible nursing in perioperative settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore ethical issues perceived as significant by operating room nurses concerning non-technical skills.
• To understand the ethical dimensions of non-technical skills from the perspective of perioperative nurses.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing individual in-depth interviews.
• Thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework.
• Participants included eleven experienced perioperative nurses from a Norwegian university hospital.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged: patient respect and care, ensuring patient safety, and fostering respect within the perioperative team.
• Collaboration and communication are integral to these themes and directly impact patient safety.
• Key findings highlight the interconnectedness of respect, teamwork, and patient safety.

Conclusions:

• Upholding patient dignity is a fundamental aspect of ethical nursing care in the operating room.
• Effective teamwork and communication are critical for patient safety and creating a secure environment.
• Reciprocal respect among perioperative team members, including acknowledging roles and communicating courteously, is essential for optimal patient outcomes.