WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF PRE-OPERATIVE MULTI-DISCI-PLINARY TEAM BRIEFINGS ON EFFICIENCY IN THE OPER-ATING THEATRE?
Angela Niland
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Publication year:
2023
Author:
- Niland Angela, Beaumont Hospital RCSI group
Keywords index:
Pages: 167-177
Abstract:
Aims/Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to establish the impact of multi-disciplinary team pre-operative briefings on operating theatre efficiency. Background: The operating room is a stressful, high consequence environment which utilises multi-disciplinary personnel and complex equipment. It is highly comparable to aviation which standardises communication and team work practices. The research suggests that briefings improve communication and safety within the operating room. However, much em-phasis has been on the World Health Organisation safe site surgery checklist, which focuses on individual surgeries and preventing major adverse events. It is also estimated that up to 25% of operating time is not used due to delays and inefficiencies. However, a full briefing prior to the beginning of an operating list could be an effective way to improve operating theatre efficiency, communi-cation, reduce theatre delays and can provide immediate clarification of potential patient safety issues. Design: Systematic review-Data Sources: The following databases were searched between October 2020 and January 2021: Cinahl, Medline, Psychinfo, Health Business Elite and the Cochrane Database. Bibliographic scanning of articles was also completed. Review Methods: The PICO model (Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome) was used to form the research question. The review included nine studies deemed relevant to answer the research question. These articles were screened for quality to ensure rigour using an EBL (evidence based librarian) checklist. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the data, a narrative synthesis of the literature was com-pleted. Results: Efficiency was measured using on time operating lists start times and reduced delays and disruptions. Comparing pre and post intervention of 9 total studies; five studies indicated improved theatre start times and one study yielded mixed results for day cases and inpatient operating lists. The remaining three studies all indicated improved surgery start times, reduced delays between cases and disruptions during surgery. Secondary outcomes included improved communication, reduced patient safety issues and cost saving.Conclusion: Pre-operative briefing may have a positive impact on theatre efficiency. This may be due to the briefing itself or a more collaborative team approach which improves communication, morale and open dialog within the operating theatre. Therefore this warrants further research.
Download PDF
