Factors Affecting the Thermal Comfort of Perioperative Personnel in the OR.

Thermal comfort is an important component of any work setting and can be difficult to achieve in the complex OR environment. This comparative descriptive study sought to identify factors affecting the thermal comfort of perioperative personnel in the OR (N = 68). Researchers used the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Thermal Sensation Scale and researcher-developed surveys to collect data. The mean reported thermal comfort level was -0.44 (standard deviation 1.3), which is within acceptable parameters. Factors affecting thermal comfort were gender, professional role, and wearing additional clothing. Additionally, participants who complained about temperature or ventilation were less likely to report thermal comfort levels in the normal range. Health care facility leaders should consider the comfort needs of perioperative personnel when making purchasing decisions about ventilation systems and surgical clothing; however, they also should consider other factors (eg, surgeon comfort, permeability of protective clothing to blood and other body fluids).

The Effects of Workload and Working Conditions on Operating Room Nurses and Technicians.

This study was conducted between August 15 and September 20, 2013, to determine the effects of workload and working conditions on operating room (OR) nurses and technicians. The study sample included 74 OR nurses and technicians working in a private university's six hospitals. The Individual Workload Perception Scale and a questionnaire that collected data on risk and environmental factors were used. The mean age of study participants was 29.3 ± 6.7 years, and 62.2% of the participants were female. More than 90% of the nurses and technicians had experienced spills or splashing of blood or other body fluids; anesthetic gases and radiation had affected 63.5% and 71.6% of nurses and technicians, respectively; 63.5% reported lumbar pain; and 46.6% defined the work environment as very stressful. The average workload scale score was 32.4 ± 6.2 (min = 11, max = 55). OR nurses and technicians are exposed to many occupational risks.