Avoidable complications occur in the perioperative and
postoperative periods of the patient’s surgical
experience resulting in morbidity and mortality.
However, implementation of evidence-based practice is
a challenge in perioperative practice where there are
complex organisational challenges. The aim of this
study was to investigate the role of perioperative nurses
in achieving patient safety in total knee replacement
surgery in Nigeria. A qualitative study design was
utilized in analysing data collected through semi
structured interviews. A total of 20 perioperative nurses
were selected with at least 1year experience. The
inductive data analysis was done using qualitative
content analysis. is used to interpret similarities and
differences in the latent content in the phenomenon
under exploration. Three major themes (Organizational,
Team and Individual levels) and five sub themes
(Reliable Procedural Plan, Functional Reporting and
Documentation Practices, Collaboration, Being
Respected by other Team Members, Having Shared
Goals and Common Expectations and Professional
Knowledge, Skills and Experience) were adjudged
important for patient safety practice. Major finding in
this study is that deviation from established practice
standards were observed, requiring constant
performance appraisal and relying on individual
corrective measures for good results. The study therefore
concluded that there was inconsistency in practice of
patient safety during knee replacement surgery. It was
recommended that the inconsistency in practice be
addressed for patient safety during surgery. Surgeons
and perioperative nurses could work out a system where
too many cases are not booked for operation on a day for
knee replacement surgery. This will give room for proper
utilization of the Surgical Safety Checklist which is the
gold standard for patient safety in the operating room.
- AIKABELI | PRISCILLA | O. | emikeaikabeli@yahoo.com | 07036404241, ENUNWAONYE | HOSSANNA | C. | henunwaonye@biu.edu.ng | 08033869339
- Knee replacement; perioperative; perioperative nurses; infection; patient safety
- KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN PATIENT SAFETY
