The preoperative nursing consultation: constraints and suggestions for operationalisation - a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction
The preoperative nursing consultation can be seen as a privileged moment for transmitting information to the person in a perioperative situation, to better prepare them for surgery and promote their collaboration in perioperative care. As this procedure is not carried out regularly, it is therefore important to carry out research into the reasons why it is not done.

Objective
To learn about the constraints to the operationalisation of the preoperative nursing consultation, through the perception of operating theatre nurses, as well as to identify their suggestions for overcoming the constraints, and to analyse the strategies pointed out by the nurses to prioritise this consultation.

Method
An exploratory, descriptive study of a qualitative nature. Data collection: focus group interview using a semi-structured interview script, supplemented at the end with an individual questionnaire containing socio-professional data and two open questions. Participants: purposive sample - three groups of nurses from three operating theatres in a central hospital in central Portugal. Content analysis was carried out according to Bardin's framework. The study considered ethical principles and scientific integrity.

Results
It was possible to identify the constraints pointed out by the nurses: methodology for operationalisation, still undefined; shortage of available time; late bed allocation; compromised privacy when carrying out the consultation; lack of recognition by hierarchical structures; difficulties in adequate physical space; unpredictable prolongation of intraoperative activities; distant residence of the person in a perioperative situation, and deficient human resources. The following suggestions/strategies were identified to overcome the constraints: allocation of more human resources; appropriate physical space; the need for greater interdisciplinary coordination and to create visibility.

Conclusion
The preoperative nursing consultation is an autonomous procedure that nurses are motivated to make operational, overcoming the constraints they point out and prioritising their suggestions.