Nurses´ and nurse managers´ perceptions of sustainable development in perioperative work: A qualitative study

To describe how nurses and nurse managers consider sustainable development principles in their daily work, how well they recognise these principles and how these principles are considered in decision-making in perioperative work.

Sustainable development involves interpersonal social and cultural relations and long-term economic and ecological thinking in societal decision-making. These dimensions are well-suited for a foundation of decision-making in acute health care. No previous research has been performed on perioperative work from the sustainable development perspective.

Qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected from perioperative nurses (n = 20) and nurse managers (n = 6) working in five surgical departments in a Finnish university hospital. Data were analysed by content analysis. The reporting follows qualitative research checklist (COREQ).

The principles of sustainable development were poorly known among the participants. Nurse managers considered their opportunities to influence decision-making were reduced by their limited economic knowledge. Resource use, individuality, and ecological viewpoints were emphasised in the decision-making process in perioperative work.

Findings reveal that perioperative nurses and nurse managers are aware of economic and ecological sustainability, but they do not actively consider it as part of their work. Social and cultural sustainability must be developed further in decision-making in perioperative work.

Perioperative nurses and nurse managers consider that it is important to develop the principles of sustainable development in perioperative work. This research indicates that economic understanding is not guiding decision-making, and there is a lack of knowledge about the benefits of ecological procedures. Social and cultural sustainability are not connected in perioperative work, although there is collaboration between the surgical team and the patient is essential. This study helps to organise operating room management effectively and diversely.