Positioning patients for robotic-assisted surgery: A qualitative study of operating room nurses' experiences

Investigating the effect of video-based training on adherence of surgical positioning standards: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The operating room is a high-risk environment where proper patient positioning is crucial for minimizing injury and ensuring optimal access to surgical sites. This process requires effective collaboration among surgical team members, particularly operating room nurses who play a vital role in patient safety. Despite advancements in technology, challenges such as pressure injuries persist, with a significant incidence rate. Video-based training (VBT) emerges as a promising educational tool, enhancing knowledge retention and fostering a learner-centered approach. This study aims to evaluate the impact of VBT on adherence to surgical positioning standards, highlighting its potential to improve safety protocols in the operating room.

METHODS

In this clinical trial, 62 qualified operating room nurses (50 women, 12 men, average age: 28.90 ± 3.75 years) were randomly divided into control and intervention group (n = 31 in each group). The control group only received positioning recommendations, but in the intervention group, in addition to the recommendations, video-based surgical positioning training was performed for 1 month, at least 3 times a week. The performance of nurses in both groups was evaluated through a researcher-made checklist at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS

Based on findings, there was no significant difference between the two groups in compliance with surgical positioning standards at baseline (p = 0.07). However, after the intervention, compliance scores significantly improved in the VBT group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The VBT group showed a mean improvement of 62.12 points, while the control group improved by 10.77 points (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study demonstrated a notable improvement in compliance with surgical positioning standards among operating room nurses following VBT intervention. Despite the promising results, the small sample size and preliminary nature of the research necessitate further studies to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes. These initial insights highlight the potential of innovative training methods in enhancing surgical practices.

Patient positioning on the operating table and patient safety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To identify occurrence of harmful incidents related to patient positioning on operating table.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Eight databases including Ovid, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were systematically searched from the inception of the databases to August 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram depicting the flow information.

REVIEW METHODS

The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools were used to assess the risk of bias. Risk of harm with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated for each included study, and an overall risk was calculated using meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 22 included reports, two were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), five had a prospective cohort design, three had a cross-sectional design, and 12 were register-based studies. Intraoperative peripheral nerve injuries, perioperative pressure ulcers, musculoskeletal injuries, vascular injuries, postoperative pain and eye injuries were related to supine, lithotomy, Trendelenburg, prone and beach chair positioning. Overall risk of any harm was estimated as 0.2%. Studies with patients placed in prone positioning (8 study samples) had the highest risks of harm varying from 0.19 to 0.81, with an overall risk of 0.33. Meta-analysis of the two RCTs showed higher risk of chemosis with head-down positioning than with head in neutral position (overall relative risk = 1.64; 95% CI: [1.25, 2.14]).

CONCLUSIONS

Harmful incidents related to patient positioning occur and consequences can be severe. The operating room teams should be aware of the harms and prevent and treat them seriously.

IMPACT

This review underlines that research is sparse on patient positioning on operating table and harmful incidents. There is a need for high-quality, well-designed studies that focus on harmful incidents and prevention of harm related to patient positioning.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution, as this is a review of previous research.

Nurses' perceptions and experiences of robotic assisted surgery (RAS): An integrative review

AIM

To identify and review published literature on the perceptions and experience of nurses working with RAS.

BACKGROUND

Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) is rapidly becoming accepted as the elite modality for surgery since its introduction in the 1980 s, more recently there has been a rising trend of use with several specialities operating using this technology. The role of nurses in perioperative care has been described as maintaining the momentum of the patient's journey. Patients undergoing RAS require nursing care throughout their journey, therefore knowledge of nurses' experiences and perceptions of RAS is important to identifying nurse education and development needs.

DESIGN

Integrative literature review DATABASE SOURCES: Databases searched for peer reviewed studies included CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, EMBASE, Scopus, ADA Psycinfo, Medline.

REVIEW METHODS

A comprehensive database search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were searched with 523 screened for eligibility. Ten studies were included in the review seven qualitative and three quantitative.

RESULTS

Ten studies were identified, critically appraised and synthesised using thematic analysis. All studies were conducted with nurses in the perioperative environment. Key findings were that nurses education regarding RAS is limited with more emphasis placed on surgeon education and training. There was evidence that nurses experienced a lack of education, training and information as barriers to their role which subsequently raised their stress levels.

CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests a clear need for education and training for nurses working with RAS. In addition, nurses working with RAS provide care preoperatively, intraoperatively, postoperatively and post discharge in the community. However, no research has been conducted with nurses outside of the perioperative environment. Further research is required to understand the experiences and perceptions of nurses working with RAS patients in all care settings to identify their education and development needs.