Operating Room

Transforming OR Efficiency and Safety

Air-assisted technology in the operating room improves efficiency and safety by facilitating smoother patient transfers, reducing the need for manual handling, and lowering caregiver injury risks. It allows for easier positioning, particularly in procedures requiring Trendelenburg or Lithotomy, and helps decrease the time patients spend in the OR. This reduction in time minimizes anesthesia-related risks. These devices have been shown to reduce caregiver injuries and improve outcomes, especially in handling bariatric patients, where the risks are significantly higher. AORN highlights that more than one-third of surgical patients are obese. Proper tools are essential to manage the increased risks involved in handling bariatric patients, which can exacerbate caregiver injuries if not handled correctly.

• Improving Turn Around Times – Using air-assisted tools in the OR significantly reduces overall procedure times by streamlining patient transfers and repositioning. These devices allow for easier and quicker transitions without the need for manual lifting, thus reducing delays caused by waiting for additional caregivers to assist. Studies show that such tools also reduce musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers and improve patient outcomes, especially during complex procedures like Trendelenburg positioning.

• Securing Patients in Trendelenburg Position – Using air-assist tools to secure patients in the Trendelenburg position in the operating room is crucial for enhancing both efficiency and safety. These devices reduce the time required to position the patient properly, streamlining the process for surgical teams and minimizing delays in procedures. Additionally, they serve a dual purpose as a transfer device, allowing for safer and smoother transitions post-operation.

• Decreasing Caregiver Injury – Using air-assist devices in the operating room reduces the risk of caregiver injuries by 73% by minimizing the physical strain associated with patient handling. These devices allow for easier, smoother patient transfers and repositioning, particularly with bariatric or less mobile patients, thus lowering the chances of musculoskeletal injuries such as back strain, which are common among OR staff. By reducing the manual effort required, air-assist tools promote safer working conditions, improve staff ergonomics, and help prevent long-term injury, ultimately contributing to a healthier workforce and a more efficient operating room environment.

Future Implications

The future of the operating room, driven by advancements in technology like air-assist devices, holds significant potential for improving patient and caregiver safety. Automation and ergonomic innovations will likely reduce the physical demands on OR staff, decreasing injury rates and enhancing overall efficiency. Improved precision in patient handling and positioning can lead to better surgical outcomes, reduced procedure times, and lower risks of complications

¹AORN Guidelines on Safe Patient Handling: Ogg, M. J. (2019). 5 Things to Know about AORN’s New Safe Patient Handling and Movement Guideline. Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN).
²Safe Patient Handling Technology and Benefits: Wright, G. & Makgwana, V. (2023). The Evolution and Benefits of Safe Patient Handling. MedHealth Review.