in the
OPERATING ROOM
Joy E. Luat-Inciong, MD
St. Luke’s Medical Center
Philippines
Effective Communication
in the OR
sophisticated instruments
transfer of critical information
changing nature of patient’s
condition
uncertainty inherent in surgery
Communication failure is
the root cause of nearly
70% of sentinel events.
Ways to Establish
Communication
Providing the staff access to
leadership
Eliminating hierarchy
Encouraging a team approach to
care
Addressing Patient-
Associated Risks
Laterality
Multiple structures
Multiple levels
Sites Exempt from
Surgical Site Marking
Single organ
Interventional cases
Teeth
Premature infants
Time-Out
Fuel source
Ignition source
Oxygen source
Minimizing Risks Associated
w/ Fire Triangle
Preparing patients appropriately
Using equipment safely
Maintaining equipment
Controlling excess oxygen
Engaging staff in fire prevention
Responding to OR Fire
Limit OR traffic
Designate specific rooms and routes
Monitor staff’s health
Use disposable equipment
Reducing Sharps
Injuries
Emergency surgeries
Complex procedures
Surgeries with unplanned
procedures
Risk Factors for
Retaining Foreign Bodies
After Surgery
Surgeries on off hours
Sponges used for packing
or retractors
Patients with high body
mass index
Strategies for Preventing
Retention of Foreign Bodies