ADLAWAN, Vianca Marie Yzabel A.

September 2017
BSN III Betty Neuman

WHY EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT IN THE

OPERATING ROOM

This summarized article emphasizes on the clear and effective communication needed by
individuals in the operating theater during surgical procedures. In the operating theater, tools will
generally perform the way they are supposed to, but there can be complications or problems to
pop up in between. A scalpel will reliably cut, but a problem can arise from improper
sterilization. Similarly, medical professionals carry out their jobs with uppermost precision or
accuracy, but one of the biggest pitfalls or drawbacks is in the space between them, which is
communication.

Before surgery: A consistently identified barrier to effective communication during a

hospital visit or procedure is between the staff and patients. A study written up in the Nursing
Times points out that although informed consent is mandatory in any medical procedure, it is not
thought of as a constant dialogue between staff and patient. An example is where some patients
themselves are medical professionals and many staff end up not informing those on whom they
are operating about everything that’s going on. Remember that patients should be kept in the
circle on any details that will affect their health, regardless of their profession and other factors.

During surgery: Between staff, one of the most common impediments to effective
communication is a poorly explained chain of action. Numerous studies, including the ones
highlighted by the British Medical Journal and Nursing Times, point out that filling gaps in in-
theater communication has been proxied to nurses. Another study, point out that this is because
nursing is a feminine vocation wherein women have been saddled with the lion’s share of
communicating. However, it is vital to factor this added labor into the nurse’s job description. If
nurses are acting as information channels, they should be compensated for this and receive
additional privilege. If not, the risk is causing nurses to burn out. By speaking as an advocate of
the patient, like making requests in relation to the patient’s needs, rather than their own
instruction, a surgeon would create a more positive, open impression of everyone’s position. It’s
a simple change that can ensure a trouble- and stress-free working environment.

After surgery: Post-surgical checklists and regular follow-ups or monitoring further

enhance the relationship and patient-nurse interaction.

Being assigned to the Lorma Medical Center’s Operating Room made me realize how
important it is to establish a good or effective communication not just with the staff nurses and
doctors but also the patients. Although we have observed that there are some instances that there
is a “slight” or tiny bit of effective communication, we still know that this can be improved not
just them, but also for the upcoming nurses. Effective communication can be achieved through
professionalism, diligence, and teamwork. Breaking down communications barriers is
everyone’s job, and some of the tips above can help make work more harmonious for all
involved.