Witness Surgery: Hospital Galleries Offer Unique Perspective

The concept of an operating gallery in hospitals, as seen in popular medical TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, is an intriguing one. While modern hospitals typically do not have elevated viewing areas in their operating rooms, some hospitals may have windows looking into the OR for medical students to observe procedures. With the advent of micro cameras, the need for physical galleries has diminished, and recorded procedures are now primarily used for training purposes and, in some cases, to address malpractice concerns.

Some hospitals have a room with a window into the operating room

Medical students can benefit from observing surgeries through the window, gaining valuable insights into surgical techniques without physically occupying space in the operating room. This method of observation is particularly useful for teaching and learning, as it minimises disturbances to the surgical team while providing an up-close view of the procedure.

In certain cases, family members of patients may also be allowed to watch surgeries through the window. This practice offers a unique opportunity for loved ones to witness the procedure being performed on their family member. It provides a level of transparency and reassurance, allowing family members to see the surgical process firsthand and feel more involved in their loved one's care.

The inclusion of windows in hospitals is a modern adaptation that balances the need for observation with the practical considerations of a functioning operating room. While elevated viewing areas of the past provided a direct view of surgeries, modern windows offer a similar experience while maintaining a separate and controlled environment. This evolution in design reflects the changing nature of medical education and the importance of privacy and sanitation in modern hospitals.

Medical students can observe surgeries this way

Standard, modern hospitals do not have galleries or elevated viewing areas in their operating rooms. However, medical students can observe surgeries in a few different ways.

Firstly, some hospitals have a room with a window overlooking the operating room, allowing students to watch procedures without entering the room itself. This method ensures that the surgery is not disturbed while providing a clear view of the techniques being performed.

Secondly, with the advent of micro cameras, it is now possible for medical students to observe surgeries remotely through live or recorded footage. This method has become increasingly common, with some surgeons advocating for mandatory video and audio recording in operating rooms. While the recorded footage is typically not disseminated outside the operating room, a small percentage may be saved for training purposes, providing a valuable resource for medical students to observe and learn from surgeries.

Additionally, certain colleges or institutions that specialize in advanced surgery methods may still have elevated viewing areas or galleries. These spaces allow students and researchers to directly observe surgeries while remaining separate from the sterile operating environment.

It is important to note that patient privacy and consent are crucial considerations when recording or observing surgeries. Medical students must adhere to ethical guidelines and respect the confidentiality of patients at all times.

Family members may watch a surgery on their relative

In standard, modern hospitals, there are no elevated viewing galleries in operating theatres. However, some hospitals have a room with a window looking into the operating room, which can be used by family members to watch a surgery on their relative. This practice is not universal, but it can be considered in hospitals where the staff is well-trained, the surgical load is manageable, and the surgeons are not responsible for training students.

Before the surgery, parents or caregivers are provided with a detailed explanation and printed brochure about the surgery, in their native language. They are then given the option to witness the surgery themselves or allow a relative to attend. Relatives are informed that a medical doctor or a relative with a medical background would be a preferred choice. The patient also has the right to choose whether to allow or disallow an attendant in the operating theatre during their surgery.

There are several advantages to allowing family members to watch a surgery on their relative. It may increase the family's understanding of the postoperative care and further treatment instructions given by the surgeon. Witnessing the surgery can also help to avoid the development of distrust in the surgeon if the patient requires additional surgeries. Furthermore, studies have shown that the presence of relatives during surgery can increase transparency, confidence, and awareness.

However, it is important to note that some medical professionals may be skeptical about this practice due to potential disadvantages. For example, the presence of family members during surgery may increase anxiety for some individuals. Additionally, most hospitals would not permit surgeons to operate on their family members, except in emergency situations or in small communities where there is only one surgeon available.

Micro cameras are increasingly used in operating rooms

In the past, operating theatres with elevated viewing areas were the primary way for medical students and researchers to observe surgeries. However, with the advent of micro cameras, this is no longer necessary. Modern hospitals typically do not have galleries or elevated viewing areas in their operating rooms. Instead, they utilize micro cameras and advanced video recording systems to capture and stream surgeries.

These cameras are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easily positioned, even in tight spaces. They can be fixed or movable, with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities, providing various viewing angles and comprehensive coverage of the operating room. The high-definition or 4K ultra-high-definition cameras capture crisp, clear images, ensuring that every detail of the surgical procedure is visible to the entire operating room team.

Micro cameras are also used in conjunction with medical devices, such as endoscopes, laboratory microscopes, and surgical microscopes. These cameras facilitate teleconsultations and filming, allowing remote specialists to provide input during surgeries and enabling the recording of procedures for future review and training purposes. The use of cameras in operating rooms enhances the ability to document, evaluate, and improve clinical skills, as well as share knowledge with other medical professionals.

Additionally, some hospitals have rooms with windows looking into the operating room, where medical students can observe surgeries without being physically present in the room. This way, they can learn techniques without disturbing the surgical procedure. The use of micro cameras and advanced video recording systems in operating rooms has revolutionized surgical training and improved the accessibility of surgical knowledge.

Recordings can be used to identify surgical errors

While some hospitals may have viewing galleries or windows in their operating rooms, these are typically found in colleges or institutions that teach advanced surgical methods. This setup allows students and researchers to observe surgeries without being physically present in the operating room. With the advent of micro cameras, such viewing areas have become less common, as they are no longer necessary for surgical education.

However, recordings of surgical procedures can serve a crucial purpose beyond education: they can be used to identify and prevent surgical errors. Surgical errors can have severe consequences, and their prevention is a significant focus within the healthcare industry. By reviewing recordings, healthcare professionals can identify errors that may have occurred and develop strategies to avoid them in the future.

Various types of errors can occur during surgery, including wrong-site surgery, wrong-patient surgery, and wrong-procedure surgery. These errors should never occur, and their prevention is of utmost importance. Other common surgical errors include clinician factors, such as feeling rushed, distracted, or fatigued; miscommunication; changing or inadequate staffing; organizational factors, such as improper specimen handling; medical record issues; and cognitive errors.

To prevent surgical errors, several measures can be implemented. For example, checklists can be used to ensure that all necessary instruments are present and accounted for. Surgical sites can be marked to ensure the correct site is operated on, and a surgical timeout can be performed before beginning the procedure to confirm the patient's identity, the surgical site, and the procedure to be performed. Additionally, the Joint Commission's Safety Goals emphasize the importance of accurate communication. They require the use of read-backs for critical test results and verbal or telephone orders to ensure clear understanding and reduce errors.

By utilizing recordings to identify surgical errors, healthcare professionals can develop corrective measures and prevention protocols. This process involves understanding the contributing factors and events that lead to errors and addressing them at various levels of healthcare. For instance, the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) is a tool used in many hospitals to measure and improve safety culture. It assesses working conditions, job satisfaction, perception of management, safety climate, teamwork, and stress recognition. By comparing SAQ scores, institutions can collaborate to implement programs that enhance patient safety.

In conclusion, while physical viewing galleries may be outdated, recordings of surgical procedures serve a critical purpose in identifying and preventing surgical errors. By analyzing these recordings and implementing appropriate measures, healthcare professionals can continuously improve patient safety and outcomes.

Frequently asked questions