Operating Room Utility Columns: Key Features & Benefits

Introduction to Operating Theatre

• Operating rooms (ORs) are specialized workspaces requiring high-quality functional equipment.
• OR personnel use this equipment for life-saving procedures.
• The equipment is essential for proper care of patients.
• Each piece of equipment has a distinct purpose.

Content

• Basic instruments are categorized by type and function.
• Special instruments used in the OR are listed.
• Accessory equipment required in the OR is detailed.

Objectives

• Learners will be able to identify basic instruments by type, function, and name.
• Learners will be able to identify special instruments used in the OR.
• Learners will be able to identify accessory equipment used in the OR.

Utility Columns

• Utility columns house various OR services.
• Columns can be retracted or adjusted for ease of use.
• They facilitate the connection to various OR services.
• Communication units, electrical services, and medical gases are provided.
• A single point connection for CO2 or nitrogen gas control is available.

Utility Column Benefits

• Columns come in retractable and fixed models.
• Can accommodate up to 28 services.
• Includes integrated CO2 or nitrogen control panel.
• Railing available for related accessories.
• Allows more space when raised and trouble-free access when lowered.

Surgical and Exam Lights

• Surgical lights are crucial for empowering professionals.
• Well-lit ORs are essential for efficient and safe work environments.

Ceiling Surgical Lights, Mobile Surgical Lights, and Surgical Headlights.

• Different types of lights are available for the OR setting.

Stretchers and Stretcher Accessories

• Hospital stretchers are crucial for various surgical procedures (ophthalmologic, bariatric, pediatric).
• They are designed for comfort, accessibility, and safety during transfers.
• Accessories can customize stretchers for specific needs (pediatric enclosures).

Surgical Tables and Surgical Table Accessories

• Surgical tables are crucial for open and minimally invasive procedures.
• Essential tables are needed for general, neurology, and specialized surgeries.
• Tables and accessories enable efficient and comfortable patient care.

List of General and Specific Use Accessories

• Anaesthesia screens, arm, & hand surgery tables, arm supports.
• Clamps, drain pans, hoops & screens, head supports, leg supports.
• Restraint straps, side extensions, transfer boards.

Cushions and Mattresses

• Cushions and mattresses provide support in plush or firm beds for patient comfort in any OR at any time.
• They are designed for all ages and sizes.

Two of the Most Common Surgical Table Pads

• Electrically conductive surgical table pads are simple to clean and help prevent bedsores for patients.
• Premium Sof-Care Deluxe Surgical Table Pads are electrically conductive and have fluid-resistant seams to help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• selecting the correct pads is crucial for consistent patient care.

Gel Pads and Positioners

• Gel pads and positioners provide support and combat pain and soreness for patients during procedures.
• These items allow patients to sit and rest comfortably to avoid skin or tissue damage.

Space Management Booms

• Space management within the OR can be stressful when space is limited.
• OR personnel experience "work overload" in limited space. Stress levels are increased in personnel.
• Space management booms can conserve space, increase productivity, and minimize stress amongst medical professionals.

Sterilization and Cleaning Equipment

• Sterilization and cleaning equipment is available to prevent risk of infection.
• A study on foot traffic within an OR showed a correlation with potential infection risk.
• These factors emphasize the importance of proper sterilization and cleaning.
• OR traffic can contribute to a higher transmission rate of infections.

Disposables and Consumables

• Disposables and consumables are crucial in keeping a safe environment for the OR surgery team and patients by being single use.
• Items like facemasks, biohazard bags, gloves, and pads are examples of these items.

Digital Integration Systems

• Digital integration systems provide a central point of control for various OR functions.
• Such systems include connecting to multiple sources, transmission of images, and streamlining image management.
• Allows for simple manipulation of images and installations.

Reception Area for Patients

• The reception area needs sufficient space for trolleys and personnel (orderly and nurses).
• Appropriately equipped for emergency cases and critical care monitoring.
• An area for security monitoring is required.
• Seating or waiting area for people waiting is necessary.

Anaesthetic Rooms

• Access control from reception is necessary for safe procedure.
• Adequate space for personnel, including an extra nurse or anesthetist.
• Lighting and adequate equipment like call bells.
• Ample storage for materials, supplies and equipment.
• Comfortable patient environment with adequate décor for patient comfort is required.

Scrub Room

• Access from the corridor is essential
• Properly equipped with lighting, elbow taps and temperature gauges.
• Adequate space for proper procedures like gloving in sink areas.

Operating Room (Separately) for Subspecialties

• The ORs are set up for specific groups or surgical specialties.
• Proper equipment that suits the needs of each specialty.

Sterilizing Department/Area/Autoclave/Liquid-Soak Sterilization

• Sterilization procedures are based on a hospital's plan.
• Separated storage areas are required for different surgical specialties.

Change Room - Male/Female

• Secure entrance with appropriate lighting.
• Lockers with individual keys for secure storage of personal items.

Lounge/Coffee Area

• Areas for relaxing are necessary for medical, nursing, staff comfort.

Office and Administration Area

• Separate areas for staff like receptionists and supervisors.
• Essential workplace supplies like desks, phones, computer systems, and stationary.
• Filing systems for records, texts, or general information.
• An area for staff that works with anesthetists.

Conference and Discussion, Cleaners Cupboard, X-ray Processing Room

• Separate areas for staff to use that have some confidentiality.

Proximity to Related Work Areas

• OR locations near related work areas maximize efficiency. (examples: day surgery, ICU, other departments).

References

• A reference for anaesthesia equipment is cited.