A Comparison of Communication Needs of Charge Nurses in Two Operating Room Suites

To achieve the potential inherent in the use of computer applications in distributed environments, we need to understand the information needs of users. Communication is the method by which information is transferred and is essential for all organizational interaction. The primary goal of operating room coordination is to insure the prompt, safe, and effective care of surgical patients. Nevertheless, larger organizational goals and characteristics can influence individual operating room information needs. The purpose of this paper is to describe the differing information needs in two operating suites by documenting the communication of OR charge nurses. A data collection tool was developed to record: 1) the purpose of the communication, 2) mode of communication, 3) the target individual, and 4) the length of time taken for each occurrence. The chosen data collection categories provided a functional structure for data collection and analysis involving communication. Study findings are discussed within the context of opportunities for application design