Browsing by Author "Beukes, Robertha Devona"

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    Knowledge of surgical counting practices of operating room nurses in provincial hospitals in the Cape Metropole
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Beukes, Robertha Devona; Cohen, Mary A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Retained surgical items are a preventable medical error that leads to patient harm and increased hospital stay. Surgical safety has emerged as a significant global health concern to avoid preventable medical errors and deaths globally. The cost implications for the facility and severe patient complications are significant and safety procedures to prevent this occurring are vital. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach utilising a selfadministered questionnaire was used for this study. Four public hospitals were included in this study, which are situated in the Cape Metropole district. The study was conducted in their operating theatres to gain more information about surgical counting practices as it occurs in the natural setting. The population size was N=164 therefore no sampling was required on advice of the statistician. All nurses meeting the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in this study. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee at Stellenbosch University and the National Health Research Board. Data collection occurred at each respondent’s place of employment after an information session was held and informed, written consent obtained. Data was analysed by a statistician and presented in frequencies, tables and histographs. The variables were compared using either the Pearson chi-square test for differences in nursing category or the Mann-Whitney U-test for differences in years of experience. Results: Findings indicate that there is a serious knowledge deficit of the fundamental surgical counting procedures further corroborated by the section of the survey on clinical practice. Overall the respondents identified the major factor impacting surgical counting practice is handover during change of shift. It is suggested that increased awareness and training regarding surgical counting practices needs to be implemented. Conclusion: Renewed accountability for correct surgical counts needs to be fostered amongst theatre personnel by re-enforcement of counting policy and identifying bestpractices. There should be zero tolerance for not adhering to policy and deviation from recommended practice that compromise patient safety. The time spent with perioperative staff to reinforce surgical count policy and ensure application is standardised, is more valuable compared to the financial implications of legal proceedings and disciplinary measures lodged against facility and staff.