What influences the practice of registered nurses in the perioperative environment?

Abstract

This study seeks to explore what influences the practice of Registered Nurses in the perioperative environment. The term perioperative care denotes care given to patients in anaesthetics, during the surgical procedure, and immediate recovery following surgery and is generally referred to as pre-, intra-, and post-operative care. The research design was a qualitative case study involving 10 registered practitioners in the specialty of perioperative care. Case study design was chosen because of its appropriateness for exploratory study.

This research took place in a teaching hospital and the area of study consisted of six operating theatres. Data were collected over one calendar year. The study focused on Registered Nurses. In order to understand more completely factors that influenced these nurses senior medical staff, senior operating department practitioners and the educational coordinator were also included. Information was obtained through individual in-depth interviews with this sample, focus group discussion with the nurses, and the analysis of departmental documentation.

Analysis of the data was undertaken by thematic framework analysis and the review of departmental documentation. Study participation was voluntary, with recruitment by self-selection.

Findings highlighted a variety of influences guiding the practice of participants, showing both the similarities and differences in their choice of what was important to them. Discussions of the Focus Group were able to verify information gleaned from the in-depth interviews and the review of departmental documentation.

Responses in relation to the understanding of the concept of evidence identified a knowledge gap within the specialty. In spite of exhortation of professional bodies and Government Directives regarding the use of evidence to support practice, it was not found to be greatly influential. Instead leadership, teamwork, culture, and communication were the most influential perspectives for the participants of the study.

The results will be circulated widely to the practice and academic communities through publication in relevant journals. They will also be disseminated to the participants and related stakeholders, such as professional bodies of perioperative practice, in the form of an executive summary.

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