intro to surgical tech

# Introduction to Surgical Technology

The field of surgical technology is critical to the success and efficiency of surgical procedures. This content synthesizes various aspects of surgical technology, focusing on key characteristics, teamwork, communication, healthcare facility organization, and conflict resolution, among others.

## Essential Characteristics of the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

### Objectives

- Define and describe types of communication relationships.

- Discuss goals of communication.

- Describe the significance of content and tone in communication.

- Analyze components of effective teamwork and communication.

- Discuss the meaning of "surgical conscience" and its application to surgical technology.

### Key Traits

- Prioritization: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

- Problem Solving: Considering alternative solutions and evaluating problems.

- Teamwork: Working collaboratively and improving solutions iteratively.

- Surgical Conscience: Commitment to professional honesty, confidentiality, nondiscriminatory treatment of patients, cost control, and sterile techniques .

### Job Requirements

- Standing for long periods.

- Lifting and moving heavy objects.

- Exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials.

## Teamwork in Surgical Settings

### Core Principles

- Politeness and Respect: Essential for maintaining a positive work environment.

- Flexibility: Willingness to compromise and adapt.

- Collaboration: Discussing processes and potential conflicts collaboratively.

- Constructive Criticism: Educating and giving rational feedback.

### Group Development Stages (Bruce Tuckman’s Theory)

1. Forming: Group formation focused on acceptance and avoidance of conflict.

2. Storming: Developing trust, discussing discontent, and challenging opinions.

3. Norming: Establishing mutual plans and cohesive work patterns.

4. Performing: High functioning stage where tasks are completed efficiently.

5. Adjourning: Task completion and team dissolution .

## Conflict Resolution

### Objectives

- Identify skills necessary for resolving conflict in the workplace.

- Distinguish types of behavioral concerns.

- Discuss strategies for negotiating problem resolution.

### Conflict Response Modes (Thomas-Kilmann Model)

- Competing: Self-serving behavior aimed at winning.

- Accommodating: Ignoring personal concerns to satisfy others.

- Avoiding: Neutral stance to avoid conflict.

- Collaborating: Cooperative efforts to reach mutually agreeable solutions.

- Compromising: Reaching a partially fulfilling solution for all parties .

### Skills and Strategies

- Essential Skills: Active listening, communication, emotional agility, problem-solving, stress management, and teamwork.

- Conflict Resolution Strategies: Avoidance of 'us vs. them' mentality, identifying deeper concerns, recognizing bias, and using positive conflict management techniques .

## Effective Communication

### Relationships

- Social: Peers and friends.

- Professional: Co-workers, physicians, and healthcare team members.

- Therapeutic: Patient and patient’s family interactions .

### Goals of Communication

- Solve problems

- Express feelings

- Provide and obtain information

- Persuade

- Prevent errors

- Promote patient safety

### Components of Communication

1. Sender: Initiates message (verbal or nonverbal).

2. Message: Can be distorted by outside noise.

3. Receiver: Decodes the message considering their knowledge and background.

4. Feedback: Confirmation that the message was correctly received .

### Techniques

- Maintain a respectful, professional tone.

- Stay focused on the procedure and patient.

- Speak clearly and directly; seek clarity by repeating orders and confirming.

- Use effective listening skills: eye contact, receptiveness, and sensitivity.

### Positive and Negative Body Language

- Positive: Smiling, eye contact, unfolded arms, and leaning slightly forward.

- Negative: Tightly folded arms, frowning, eye-rolling, distancing, and indicating impatience .

## Healthcare Facility Organization

### Types of Health Care Facilities

- Hospitals (Proprietary, Nonprofit, Government-supported)

- Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)

- Surgeons’ offices or clinics

- Labor and Delivery (L&D) units

### Hospital Organization

- Board of Directors: Establish policies; CEO ensures policy enactment.

- Administrative Layers: Several vice presidents oversee broad areas (administration, medical affairs, patient services, etc.) .

### Departments

- Direct Patient Care: Pharmacy, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Medical or Laboratory, Pathology.

- Indirect Patient Care: Hospital Administration, Facilities Management, Security Services, Environmental Services, Dietetics and Food Services, Biomedical Engineering, Risk Management, Infection Control .

## Conclusion

Effective surgical technology practice relies on the integration of strong communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. Adhering to professional standards and organizational structures ensures patient safety and the efficiency of surgical procedures. This cohesive approach upholds the values of surgical conscience and promotes a positive care environment.