You might assume that having as many professionals present during surgery means a better outcome for the patient. After all, surely a team of doctors is better than just one or two. However, the reality is that reducing the number of surgical personnel in the theatre can actually improve patient recovery. Read on to find out how.
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Giving the Surgeon More Space to Work
In the past, surgeons required a number of support staff to be present during the operation. They performed duties such as operating specific pieces of equipment and tracking the patient’s vital signs. However, surgical theatres can often be small and enclosed, and the more people there are, the more likely bumps and collisions are to happen. This can be incredibly serious during surgery and can distract the surgeon while they work.
With modern medical tools, such as advanced retractor instruments, surgeons can reduce the number of support staff they need in the operating theatre with them. Traditionally, retractors, which are used to hold open incisions, required someone to hold them while the surgeon worked. Modern retractors such as June Medical’s Galaxy ii are self-retaining, meaning they do not require a secondary team member to operate and can be adjusted by the surgeon with one hand as and when needed.
By using modern retractor instruments, surgeons can reduce the number of staff in the theatre, giving themselves more space to operate safely and effectively. This can significantly increase the success rate of surgery, causing fewer complications, which will boost and improve patient recovery rates.
Streamlining the Working Environment
Surgery is carried out by a team of medical professionals who work collectively to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. The team needs to be constantly communicating, discussing the stage of the procedure, adjustments that need to be made, and the welfare of the patient they are treating.
However, having too many staff present in the operating theatre can cause things to quickly become confused and chaotic. If lots of people are talking at once, it can be difficult to properly understand and comprehend what is actually being said. This could result in vital information being missed, which could have serious consequences for the patient and negatively impact their rate of recovery.
By reducing the number of surgical personnel, the working environment will be far more streamlined and efficient, making for a more successful operation.
Redistributing Manpower
While the success of the operation itself is important in regard to patient recovery, the aftercare they receive is just as vital. The healthcare workforce is stretched as it is, with services struggling to find the staff required to carry out basic duties.
This is one of the most significant benefits that can be seen by reducing the number of staff in the operating theatre. These healthcare professionals can instead be reassigned to different departments where they can assist with patient aftercare and ensure the recovery process is both quick and successful.
Conclusion
If we want to boost patient recovery rates, reducing the number of surgical personnel is essential. It will give surgeons more space to work, streamline the operating process, and allow for more staff to assist in patient aftercare.
