Some surgical procedures may require the OT radiographer to remain in the theatre for prolonged period of time. Therefore, it is pertinent for you to adequately prepare yourself when scheduled to work in the operating theatre. 

Once you are in the operating theatre, you are virtually (almost) on your own and the nature of OT work is such that most of the time, you have little control over many aspects of the OT environment. Thus knowing the type of procedure, what is expected of you by the surgical team, the habits and preference of the surgeon(s) that you are going to work with, the equipment that is available to you on that day, etc. will help you to have an enjoyable and productive tour of duty at the OT. 

In your quest to become a top notch OT radiographer, we introduced the 3 Prep's and 7P's. The OT radiographer's cardinal preparation checklist! 

First Prep: 

Software

(Schedule)

Third Prep: 

Operator

(Yourself!)

1P 

Personal

2P 

Plan

3P 

Pre-empt

4P 

Preference

5P 

Protection

6P 

Precise

7P 

Punctual

Preparation 1 – Software (Schedule)

As an OT radiographer, it is your responsibility to find out the schedule for the day's OT cases that requires radiographic services. This should be done preferably one day before your duty. Given the nature of OT work, last minute changes in scheduling, for various reasons, are usually the norm. In most hospitals, the OT surgery schedule list typically are made known the day before, and most often in the late afternoon. This list will most likely reflect the next day's schedule correctly barring unforeseen circumstances or insertion of emergency surgeries.

YOU ARE TO LIASE WITH THE OT STAFF AND GET HOLD OF A COPY OF THIS VALUABLE PIECE OF INFORMATION.

You are to take note of:

1)                  Type of surgeries.

2)                  Does it require II and/or mobile x-ray unit?

3)                  Number of such surgeries.

4)                  The time scheduled for these surgeries.

5)                  The name of the surgeons operating.

6)                  Location (which operating room).

Preparation 2 – Hardware (Radiographic systems) 

Things to look out for:

1)                 Ensure the II and the mobile x-ray units are in good working condition.

2)                 Ensure that the image processing system (be it CR or conventional developer) is in working order.

3)                  Ensure that the II and the mobile x-ray units are cleaned. Disposed off bloodstain protective cover sheet and lays a new piece.

4)                  Ensure X-ray cassettes for the mobile x-ray usage are in good working order and their numbers are adequate. Remember to clean them as well.

5)                 Ensure all necessary accessories (stationary grids, cassette holders, contrast media, etc) are present in the OT and are in good condition of used.

6)                  Remember to load a fresh roll of printer paper in the I.I unit printer device if required.