Simulating Preoperative Preparations with Focus on Non-technical Skills in an OR Nursing Education Program in Norway

Abstract

This chapter describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of non-technical skills simulations in an operating room (OR) nursing program in Norway. Three scenarios of preoperative preparations in the OR were simulated, each of which was followed by facilitated debriefing sessions. These sessions consisted of three phases: description, analysis, and application. To achieve the highest standard of care and ensure patient safety in the OR, it is necessary for Norwegian OR nurses to be proficient in the responsibilities and functions of both circulating and scrub nurse roles, including teamwork and non-technical skills. With respect to the three domains of educational purpose—qualification, socialization, and subjectification—the simulation activities aimed to enhance knowledge, ability, and understanding of non-technical skills in the OR, thus socializing the students to their new profession while also encouraging their independence. The Norwegian adaptation of the Scrub Practitioners’ List of Intraoperative Non-Technical Skills (SPLINTS-no) behavioral rating tool was used by the students for reflection and learning throughout the teaching activities. The majority of participants agreed or fully agreed that the three phases of debriefing were helpful for their learning. Simulation of non-technical skills in the preoperative OR can therefore be a valuable learning experience for OR nursing students, through the use of both low- and high-fidelity simulations in partnership with nurse anesthetist students.