IMPACT OF PROLONGED ORTHOPEDIC SURGICAL DURATION ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AND PHYSICAL WORKLOAD OF OPERATING ROOM TEAM

Abstract

Background:

In modern healthcare settings, lengthy orthopedic surgical procedures are becoming more common. These procedures can cause significant physical and mental strain in operating room team. These lengthy procedures in such a restricted setting can worsen cognitive function and physical strain, which could affect patient safety and staff well-being as well. This study aimed to determine the impact of prolonged orthopedic surgical duration on cognitive performance and physical workload of operating room team.

Methods:

The operating room team, which includes anesthetists, surgeons, technicians, OT technologists, scrub nurses and circulators participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in operation theatres of Pakistan. The obtained sample size was 145. In order to assess the workload across various lengthy procedures, surgical duration was divided into defined time intervals. Along with all those characteristics, demographic variables like age, years of experience, and professional role were also noted. To evaluate the relationship between surgical duration and workload measures, statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS, by using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, such as correlation and comparison analysis.

Results:

Results of the research showed that extended surgical time durations significantly increased both physical and cognitive strain. Anesthetists had a higher cognitive workload than surgeons and scrub nurses because they had to pay close attention for extended periods of time. Employees with less experience had comparatively higher workload scores than the experienced ones. This study concluded that prolonged orthopedic surgical procedures significantly increase both the cognitive and physical workload of operating room personnel. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between surgical duration and cognitive workload (r = 0.283, p < 0.01) as well as physical workload (r = 0.245, p < 0.01), indicating that longer operations impose greater mental and physical demands on surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, and technologists.

Conclusion:

Prolonged orthopedic surgical procedures have a significant effect on cognitive function and physical burden of operating room team, highlighting the necessity of supporting interventions and efficient workload management techniques.