Abstract
Aim: The aim of this research was to explore operating theatre nurses' (OTNs) perspectives on preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Background: A literature review identified that there is a high prevalence of MSDs in nurses working in the operating theatre. The orthopaedic speciality is traditionally considered the most physically strenuous in the perioperative field for nurses as they often lift patients' limbs while assisting the surgeon, use heavy instruments, and wear an X-ray protective lead apron during some lengthy procedures. While quantitative research has investigated the prevalence and risk factors for MSDs, no studies exploring how an MSD might be prevented from the perspective of nurses working in an orthopaedic operating theatre were identified. Design: Cross-sectional qualitative descriptive study.
Method: Between December 2020 and February 2021, seven face-to-face semi-structured interviews with nurses who work in an orthopaedic operating theatre were undertaken. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic analysis.
Findings: Three overarching themes were identified: challenging working environment; working organisation; and workplace culture. Six sub-themes were identified: physically demanding; mentally demanding; comparing operating theatre nurses' roles; nursing leaders and managers' roles; the nurse; and teamwork. These themes reflect the complex operating theatre working environments.
Discussion: The findings indings indings of the study study showed the similarities to the international literature and suggested that OTNs OTNs may may needneedneedneed a multi multi -componentcomponent component component preventive preventive preventive preventive programmeprogramme programmeprogramme programmeprogramme . Conclusion: The study found that the orthopaedic OTN's job was physically and mentally demanding, which created barriers for preventing MSDs. Opportunities for prevention included engaging OTNs in physical activities, addressing understaffing, appropriate education and purchasing contemporary lifting assisting devices.