Understanding of Non-Technical Skills Among Scrub Nurses in the Operation Theater of Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC @IIUM), Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: For efficiency and safety, operating theatre personnel including scrub nurses require both technical and non-technical skills (NTS). Despite how technology helps with surgical accomplishments, scrub nurses' competency still depends on their ability to operate as a team and think critically. Despite evidence of NTS improving patient care, training remains underdeveloped, especially in Malaysia. This study aims to explore scrub nurses' understanding of NTS and their perspectives on their own NTS.

Methods: Purposive sampling was used to choose 10 participants for this general qualitative research. In-depth, physical interviews were used to gather data, and they were audio recorded to enable comprehensive data analysis. To find significance themes, thematic analysis was used for analysing the transcriptions of all the interviews.

Results: For each research objective, four themes were found: Task management and decision-making with subthemes: a) proactive preparation, b) decision-making under pressure, and c) time management; (2) teamwork and collaboration with subthemes: a) clear communication, b) mutual support, and c) conflict management; (3) situational awareness with subthemes: a) anticipating complications and b) sterility & environmental control; and (4) interpersonal skills and emotional regulation with subthemes: a) establishing professional rapport, b) emotional control, and c) conflict resolution.
Conclusion: As conclusion, scrub nurses in SASMEC understand the importance of NTS and apply them in surgical settings. To improve efficacy and patient safety, however, specific interventions such as NTS-based training and simulations are required, as evidenced by deficiencies in training, evaluations, and skill development.