143 - Evaluating the Impact of Laser Safety Training Program in a Greenfield Hospital in Qatar

Description: Description of team
The team includes physicians, nurses, and representatives from radiation safety, infection control, occupational health, and biomedical engineering.

Preparation and planning
A review of the training and safety guidelines from different international professional bodies and organizations was carried out including the American National Standards Institute, Laser Institute of America and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses recommended guidelines on Laser Safety. Accreditation requirements from the Joint Commission International (JCI) were also taken into consideration. The training program, framework, and contents were reviewed by the Laser Safety and Scientific Planning Committee. The training module's contents were adapted from the American National Standards and approved by the Laser Safety Committee. The modules were developed by the clinical nurse educator in the perioperative department consist of didactic and practical sessions.

Assessment
Sidra Medicine is a greenfield tertiary referral hospital in Qatar, with a focus on pediatric and women's healthcare. Staff have been recruited from over 90 different countries around the world. This diversity in training and practice background poses unique challenges when training staff on laser safety. As a newly opened hospital, the need to develop evidence-based programs is crucial for delivering safe and quality patient care. Training gaps analysis was completed and found a significant gap in staff training and competence in the following specialties: Urology, Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, ENT, Physical Therapy and OB/Gyne.

Implementation
The full day training course has been developed to meet the standard recommendations of ANSI Z136.3-2018 and JCI accreditation requirements. The pilot training course is classroom-based training with a maximum of 20 delegates facilitated by the Laser Safety Officer, Deputy Laser Safety Officer and Laser Safety Educator. The training is valid for 3 years and course evaluation was critical whether to change contents or keep it as it is. This training program has been ongoing since 2018 with content reviews every 5 years, last updated in 2023 and next review in 2028.

Outcome
This project evaluates the implementation and impact of a laser safety training program. Since 2018 we have successfully completed around 1,800 laser procedures. Training compliance is monitored in our learning management system with automatic reminders for staff due to renew their training. The laser safety program has had a significant impact on the quality and safety of patient care, as evidenced by zero laser-related incidents since the implementation of the evidence-based laser safety training framework in 2018.

Implications for perioperative nursing
Having a robust laser safety program is essential for promoting safe and effective perioperative nursing care. This ensures the safety of patients and staff from the risks associated with medical laser use but also plays a crucial role in developing perioperative nursing competence. By providing comprehensive training and adhering to established safety standards, the program helps perioperative nurses gain the necessary skills and knowledge to assist and handle laser equipment confidently and safely. This is linked to increased staff satisfaction and retention, as nurses feel more secure and supported in their roles, leading to a more stable and committed workforce.