Operating theatres
degradation in material or fading of the print. This demonstrated their durability and suitability for repeated use in healthcare environments. The stainless-steel press studs on the badges proved that, after being exposed to the substances for an extended period, they maintained their integrity and did not weaken or corrode after this prolonged exposure. Wash testing on the hats has also been
conducted by two independent laundries and the hats passed all tests. One is a small laundry based in Shrewsbury and the other is Elis, who launders a large proportion of scrubs and hospital garments already throughout the UK. Elis has confirmed that if they launder scrubs for hospitals, they will also launder their hats.
Conclusion Ultimately, theatre teams in the UK are not always properly identified which has the potential to cause issues such as communication errors - which have been identified as one of the lead causes of medical error. Hierarchical barriers are another common issue where staff do not feel that they can speak up about their concerns – when names are not known, this can be even harder to do. Writing on theatre caps has been proven to enhance teamwork by identifying who everyone is in the operating theatre, but initiatives also need to be sustainable. The importance of personalising care for patients has been highlighted and this can also help to reduce the hierarchical barriers between healthcare providers and patients, allowing them to feel more comfortable to speak up if they have any concerns. Naming everyone in operating theatres will help to make a difference and impact for all staff and patients, and there is now a simple solution to help to achieve this. As a Clinical Specialist and former ODP,
Mike Williams, comments: “During high-stress scenarios such as trauma calls, rapid and clear identification of team members is essential. Theatre badge hats, featuring prominently displayed names and roles, enable seamless communication, particularly for agency staff or
new team members. This simple yet effective innovation can enhance teamwork, reduce delays, and improve patient outcomes in critical situations.”
As the UK continues to evolve its healthcare
system to include sustainability, addressing these issues will be crucial in building a more effective and responsive environment for both patients and healthcare professionals alike. CSJ
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Recent studies point out that using the time just before skin incision to review the names and roles of all team members is a vital requirement and forms part of the surgical safety checklist, which was designed to reduce surgical complications and improve communication and teamwork in the operating theatre.
About the author
Danielle Checketts is a former medical professional who transitioned away from nursing after raising concerns to advocate for patient safety. With nearly 20 years of experience in the medical devices sector, Danielle has gained invaluable insights into the challenges of misidentification within healthcare settings, drawing from her experiences as a student nurse, a patient, and a representative. Over the past four years, Danielle has
dedicated herself to extensive research, collaborating with universities, engineers, surgeons, anaesthetists, and sustainability leaders. This work has culminated in the development of an innovative product designed to enhance communication in operating theatres, aimed at reducing errors and improving patient outcomes. Danielle’s deep commitment to patient safety and her comprehensive understanding of the complexities of surgical environments position her to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare.
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