Abstract provided by author:
The aim of the study was to develop a criteria checklist, to determine if professional nurses in the operating room met these criteria and to identify possible areas for in-service education/training
The study was conducted in the two (2) training hospitals in Windhoek and the one (1) training hospital in Oshakati. All professional nurses who assisted during a surgical procedure were included in the study. A non-experimental quantitative descriptive survey method was used. The non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select the sample for the study
The research instrument was developed in three (3) phases involving experts in the field on operating room practice in Namibia and the Republic of South Africa for the first two (2) phases. Competency Statements for Peri-Operative Nursing Practice developed by the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) was used as a guideline. The critical factors swab count, needle count and Instrument count were selected for the study
The critical factors were divided into four sections: a. Preparation for a surgical procedure; b. swab count, c. Needles count; d. Instrument count
A pilot study was done to test the validity and reliability of the research instrument
Data was collected by means of an interview and informed, conscious, direct observation by the researcher only using a structured criteria checklist and analysed by a statistician
Findings were presented in frequency numbers and percentages on tables, frequency polygons, pie diagrams and histograms
Statistical findings revealed that professional nurses need formal and/or in-service education/training regarding the preparation for a surgical procedure and the processes of swab count, needle count and instrument count
Activities in the form of formal and informal education/training were recommended to enhance the quality of nursing care rendered by professional nurses during the intra- operative phase of a surgical intervention
