3. OR attire. Footwear is another important aspect of physical OR
comfort. Obviously, that begins with shoes. They should protect the
feet from fluids and needles, and be slip-resistant, sterilizable, and
easy to remove if need be due to cramps or just to give the feet some
air. Compression socks are a compelling option; proponents say they
increase blood flow and reduce muscle soreness.
Another issue: well-fitting gowns. If the gown is too tight, it can
restrict the clinician's range of motion, which could lead to discomfort
and pain over time. Too long, they might trip over it. Soft material
with a good fit should be the goal.
4. Ergonomics. Set up the room to minimize physical exertion. Do
you have to crane your neck to see the monitor? Do your instruments
have comfortable hand grips? Is the table set to its proper height?
5. Above the din. Many surgeons feel more comfortable operating
with music playing in the background, but that can create as many
problems as it solves. The surgeon may like the familiar sounds of clas-
sic rock, but the anesthetist might feel most calm with classical, and the
nurse might respond better to the energy of hip hop. In addition, music
can interfere with communication among the surgical team, especially
when taking into account the normal beeps and clamor of the OR.
Noise can hinder auditory processing function, especially when intra-
operative conversations relay unpredictable information, according to
"Effect of Noise on Auditory Processing in the Operating Room"
(osmag.net/ExVEw9), a study in the May 2013 Journal of the
American College of Surgeons.
Average noise levels in ORs "commonly are greater than federal lim-
its for occupational noise exposure and frequently exceed those con-
1 0 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 1 9
