Authors: (including presenting author): :
Pang KW(1), Lam SY(1), Wan HYS(1), Fung SH(1), Wong LY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Standardizing
Introduction: :
Within the Cardiothoracic Surgery Operating Theatre (CTSD OT), the scrub nurse plays a essential role in maintaining aseptic integrity and supporting surgical efficiency. The preparation of sterile trolleys is a foundational yet critical skill that directly influences patient safety and procedural flow. However, variability in practice approaches has been observed during the training of newly joined nurses, which may lead to inconsistencies in technique, extended learning curves, and potential risks to sterility. To address this, a standardized training program was developed and implemented between November and December 2025.
Objectives: :
1. To establish a stadardized protocol for aseptic trolley preparation in OT. 2. To enhance new scrub nurses' procedural accuracy and confidence through the program 3. To reduce practice variation and improve overall training efficiency
Methodology: :
A blended educational model integrating video-based learning with hands-on assessment was adopted. A consensus-based protocol was established with senior staff. Two instructional videos were produced respectively for open-heart surgery and thoracic surgery setups, detailing the standardized steps and aseptic principles of sterile trolley preparation; these videos offer unlimited review for flexible, self-paced learning. A pre- and post-test was designed to objectively assess knowledge acquisition and protocol comprehension. The program was rolled out to all new training scrub nurses in the OT. Training consisted of self-paced viewing of the instructional videos, completion of the knowledge test, and a supervised return demonstration in a simulated setting, with preceptors providing guidance and immediate feedback.
Result & Outcome: :
By the end of December 2025, all 9 recruited newly-trained scrub nurses completed both the video and practical sessions of the program. Pre- and post-test comparisons across the 5 key knowledge questions revealed notable improvement among participants, with particularly significant enhancement observed in questions regarding sterile cover placement (Q3) and identification of sterility-breaking actions (Q5). In the return-demonstration, all participants completed the core trolley preparation sequence successfully. While minor errors were noted, participants can correct these through future review of the instructional videos, indicating a sustainable model for ongoing skill refinement. According to the post-training feedback, 100% of participants agreed that the video resources were clear and essential for learning. All participants reported increased confidence in independently preparing sterile trolleys, highlighting the program's role in enhancing and standardizing practice Conclusion The program successfully standardized foundational practice and improved both knowledge and competency in aseptic trolley preparation among new scrub nurses. The blended model is recommended for future OT training initiatives, including advanced scrubbing techniques and other procedural skills.
