186 - Prep the OR: Enhancing knowledge in the care of the surgical trauma patient

Description: Trauma care in operating rooms (ORs) is challenging, especially for novice nurses at Level 2 trauma centers with infrequent cases. A critical disconnect exists between emergency department (ED) and OR staff, often leading to communication failures during patient handoff that jeopardize safety. This quality improvement project used a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to identify and address OR nurses' knowledge gaps in trauma care through targeted education and surveys. Findings revealed initial improvements in staff confidence, underscoring the need for further education and standardized interdepartmental workflows. Ultimately, the project highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration and communication among all trauma care providers to enhance patient safety.