Prioritizing Care in the OR: A Qualitative Study

The OR is a time-pressured and high-risk environment in which nurses prioritize patient care tasks. The factors influencing perioperative nurses' ability to prioritize care activities are not well understood. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to describe the contextual factors that influence perioperative nurses' care priorities. Twelve semi-structured perioperative nurse interviews were conducted via an online platform. Thematic analysis yielded three themes including enhancing patient focus: prioritizing care based on patient characteristics; efficient collaboration: working harmoniously to achieve goals; and strategic preparation and decision-making: minute-by-minute planning. The priorities of surgeons and nurses are different and surgeons' priorities may prevent nurses from undertaking routine patient care activities that affect safety, such as the surgical count. This may lead to missed nursing care and potentially threaten patient safety. Strategies that promote a culture of safety, such as improving communication among team members may help nurses prioritize care activities.