Perioperative practice
Championing civility, safety and collaboration
In the high-pressure, fast-paced environment of perioperative practice, clinical excellence must be matched by behavioural integrity. It is not enough to have the skills and knowledge to care for patients undergoing surgery; we must also create a working culture that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive, says AfPP’s Susan Preston.
The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), the UK’s leading membership organisation dedicated to hospital theatre practitioners and improving perioperative care, has developed a new ‘Behaviours Charter’. This Charter is a comprehensive framework grounded in the belief that civility, empathy, and professionalism are just as vital as clinical proficiency. Centred around the ethos of Sign up to Civility, the Charter sets clear expectations for how perioperative professionals should interact with patients, colleagues, and the wider surgical team. Endorsed by the Centre for Perioperative
Care (CPOC) and Civility Saves Lives, the Charter calls on all perioperative staff to commit to a behavioural standard that ensures the highest quality of care, while fostering a psychologically safe and collaborative workplace. “Civility saves lives,” says Oliver Tierney,
President of AfPP, adding: “When people feel respected, listened to, and valued, they perform better. Patients are safer, teams are stronger, and morale improves. This Charter is not just
a list of dos and don’ts; it’s a commitment to creating a culture we can all be proud of.”
A Charter rooted in shared values The AfPP Behaviours Charter outlines a series of personal and workplace behaviours that promote a culture of trust, safety, respect, and excellence. These principles are grouped around five key commitments: l Commitment to Safety l Respectful Communication l Professionalism and Civility l Team Collaboration and Support l Continuous Improvement and Learning
Together, these commitments aim to ensure that all perioperative practitioners feel empowered, supported, and motivated to deliver outstanding care, while also safeguarding their own wellbeing and professional growth.
Commitment to safety At the core of the Behaviours Charter is an unwavering dedication to safety; not just
for patients, but for all members of the perioperative team.
Accountability Every team member is expected to take ownership of their actions and decisions. Accountability isn’t about blame; it’s about honesty and integrity. When something goes wrong or an error occurs, it must be acknowledged and addressed in a transparent, supportive way that prioritises learning and risk mitigation.
Safety as a priority In practice, this means following protocols, adhering to checklists, and always putting the patient first. Whether it’s ensuring instruments are properly counted, monitoring sterility, or raising concerns about a colleague’s fitness to practice, every action should centre on keeping people safe.
Risk awareness Situational awareness is crucial. Staff must
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