Do you know how to set up an operating room?

Operating rooms are an important part of a hospital and allow surgeons and other operating room staff members to provide life-saving treatments to patients. Setting up an operating room properly can help assist health care providers by allowing them to work in an efficient and timely manner, which is critical when performing life-saving procedures.

Organized operating rooms give health care providers the opportunity to focus on procedures and treatments and offer a safe and friendly environment for them to work in.

Preparing an Operating Room for Surgery

  §  Designate an area outside of each operating room for health care providers to prepare for surgery. Make sinks with foot pedal controls, scrub kits (which contain an antiseptic soap and brush), sterile towels, gowns, and goggles, shoe covers, masks and head covers available in this area. Ensure there is enough space for multiple health care providers to scrub up simultaneously prior to each procedure.

  §  Make several tables available in each operating room. One long table will be needed for the patient to lie on while undergoing surgery. Use small tables to hold equipment needed for each procedure. Prior to the patient’s arrival, make sure the tables are cleaned and ready. Lay out all of the equipment needed for the procedure (scalpels, clamps, scissors, etc.) on the smaller tables in an area where they can be easily reached. Cover the equipment with sterile sheets until surgery begins.

  §  At the head of the patient table, make an area for the equipment needed for anesthesia and respiratory needs. Place ventilators, intubation equipment, oxygen tanks, oxygen-monitoring devices and IV pumps in the area designated for anesthesia. Make sure the ventilator has the proper tubing connected and is in working order. Position the ventilator and oxygen-monitoring devices in a place where they can be easily seen and monitored during each procedure.

  §  Place a heart monitor, blood pressure measuring device, pulse and respiration monitors, thermometers and other devices that monitor vital signs near the patient where they can be seen and monitored easily without interfering with the surgery. Make sure the monitor screens can be seen and heard by health care providers during the procedure.

  §  Set up an area to store equipment. Place extra equipment and equipment not in use in a secure place which is easily accessible. Keep equipment organized by grouping all equipment needed for certain procedures together when possible. Label containers, drawers and cabinets according to their contents.

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