Understanding stress factors for scrub nurses in the perioperative period: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Purpose of the study: To assess the stress factors affecting operating theater nurses during the perioperative period.

Patients and methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey by means of a specifically drawn-up questionnaire based on the data available in the literature. Stress was measured on a 0/100 visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: Six hundred and twelve (612) persons responded. Stress associated with an operation amounted to 31.8; it was higher at the time of the procedure (49.6) and immediately beforehand (39.4), particularly among the least experienced nurses. The most widely represented stress factors were associated with the surgical team (perceived incompetence, lack of confidence), relational problems with regard to the surgeon, and team members' disruptive behavior. By contrast, familiarity with the team or the procedure seemed to shield the nurses from stress. Feelings of stress had a relatively frequent impact on quality of life (33%), family and personal life (26%), with chronic (recurrent or constant) stress symptoms reported among 20% of respondents.

Conclusion: Among operating theater nurses, stress associated with an operation was particularly strong among the least experienced professionals, when the type of procedure or the other team members were unfamiliar, and in the event of disruptive behavior. Stress factor improvement should be a priority, the objective being to enhance professional and personal quality of life, while better ensuring patient safety.

Keywords: Disruptive behaviour; Mental stress; Non-technical skills; Patient safety; Scrub nurse; Teamwork; The human factor.