Promoting a Positive OR Environment: Manners and Etiquette

Maintaining a respectful and collaborative atmosphere in the operating room (OR) is crucial for effective teamwork and patient safety. The author outlines key manners and etiquette that contribute to a positive OR environment:

1. Politeness: Being courteous and considerate in interactions with colleagues fosters a harmonious atmosphere.
2. Respect: Treating everyone in the OR with respect, regardless of their role or position, is essential for teamwork.
3. Humility: Remaining humble helps create a collaborative environment where everyone’s input is valued.
4. Learning Names: Taking the time to learn and use the names of all team members enhances personal connections.
5. Offering Help: Anticipating needs and offering assistance without being asked demonstrates a proactive and cooperative attitude.
6. Asking for Help: Being willing to seek assistance when needed promotes a culture of mutual support.
7. Expressing Gratitude: Thanking colleagues for their contributions acknowledges their efforts and encourages teamwork.
8. Patient-Centered Focus: Keeping the patient at the center of all actions emphasizes the ultimate goal of providing quality care.

Avoiding Disruptive Behavior:

• Rude, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior is not tolerated.
• Avoid yelling, making sarcastic comments, or engaging in inappropriate jokes.
• Refrain from gossiping or denigrating others.
• When playing music, be considerate of others’ preferences, and turn it off during critical times like the initial time-out.

Social Media Etiquette in the OR:

• Stay professional when using social media in the OR.
• Avoid checking Facebook or Instagram during surgery.
• Exercise caution when posting online, as anything posted can be captured and spread.
• Refrain from posting identifiable patient information.

Effective Communication and Surgical Pause:

• Ongoing effective communication among the surgical team is crucial.
• Emphasizes the importance of the surgical pause or “time-out” to establish a shared mental model.
• Recommends using a structured checklist, such as the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist, during the surgical pause.
• Highlights the checklist’s positive impact on reducing mortality, complications, and hospital length of stay.
• Encourages active engagement of all team members during the checklist process.

Customizing the Checklist:

• The surgical safety checklist can be modified by hospitals or services to include relevant items specific to their patient population.
• Designated leaders should review and discuss each item, ensuring that all team members are introduced and empowered to speak up if they identify potential safety concerns.
• Customization may include a debriefing section at the end of the case to address additional items relevant to the team’s specific practices.

In summary, promoting positive manners and etiquette, avoiding disruptive behavior, and utilizing effective communication tools contribute to a culture of safety and collaboration in the OR. The surgical safety checklist serves as a valuable tool when implemented with commitment and engagement from all team members.