Module 2: Exploring the OR Environment and Personal Safety for Perioperative Staff

🎯 Module Objectives 
  1. Describe the unique environment of the operating room. 
  2. Differentiate between the unrestricted, semi-restricted, and restricted areas of the perioperative suite and classify the actions that occur in each area. 
  3. Explain the importance of collaborative care to achieve optimal health status as described by the patient. 
  4. Summarize key factors required to ensure a just culture and safety in the operating room. 
  5. Identify and describe factors that can impact the operating room team and patient safety. 
  6. Describe the importance of ongoing competency training such as WHMIS to ensure safety in the perioperative environment. 
  7. Describe strategies to minimize risk for healthcare personnel in the operating room. 

📖 Required Readings 

Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery  

16th Ed. Ch 2 and 3 p. 15-53  – 17th Ed. Ch 2 and 3 p. 16-52 

AORN article   

Fencl, J.L., Willoughby, C., Jackson, K. (2021). Just culture: The foundation of staff safety in the perioperative environment. AORN Journal. 113(4) 329- 336 http://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.13352 


Introduction

In this module, you will learn about the specialized perioperative environment. Once you understand the unique setup of the perioperative environment, personal safety considerations and measures will be introduced.