Why are surgical never events occurring?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
“Why are surgical never events occurring?” A qualitative study exploring the experiences of perioperative practitioners working in the operating theatre.
IRAS ID
265527
Contact name
Steven A Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Huddersfield
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 7 days
Research summary
“Why are Surgical Never Events occurring?” A qualitative study exploring the experiences of Perioperative Practitioners working in the operating theatre.
The operating theatre is the department where patients undergo surgical procedures with care provided by medical staff (surgeons and anaesthetists) and Perioperative Practitioners (PP) (Operating Department Practitioners and theatre nurses). Patient safety in the operating theatre involves staff acting as the patients advocate and adhering to Patient Safety Procedures (PSP) designed to prevent errors occurring.
Despite PSP being in place errors still occur are, these are classified as Surgical Never Events (SNE), wrong site surgery and retained surgical objects are the two main areas of concern in operating theatres. NHS Improvement Department who collate information regarding these events indicates these occur nationally on average five times a week since 2012 (appendix one). Previous research and national reports by the NHS highlight the errors that are made and the PSP that have not been followed. There is no published research that explores the views of the PP regarding why SNE are occurring. The PP have a professional responsibility to ensure the PSP are followed at all times and have collective responsible for the theatre teams’ actions.
This research will involve undertaking approximately 15 semi structured interviews, at Leeds Teaching Hospitals with PP who volunteer following an email invitation to participate. The interviews will last between 40 and 60 minutes and explore understanding of SNE and PSP, and why they think these events are occurring. In addition, their perceptions on what impacts on their ability to adhere to PSP. Themes the participants raise will be analysed after each interview and if relevant explored further in later interviews. By exploring these issues, it may be possible to highlight factors that contribute to SNE occurring and understand how to prevent them in the future.REC name
N/A
REC reference
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