Examine the key principles related to risk management and discuss its theory associated with the role of the advanced scrub practitioner

Principles of risk management and its theory associated with the role of the ASP Principles of risk management and its theory associated with the role of the ASP
ASPs provide skilled and competent assistance to surgeons, under the guided supervision of the surgeons. They do not necessarily perform surgical interventions but follow the directions of surgeons in providing assistance during surgeries. Risk management is a critical aspect in the role of ASPs because surgical procedures have many potential risks that can endanger the lives of patients. For a long time, the technical competence of surgeons has been seen as the main factor contributing to successful surgeries. However, risks are seen in terms of departmental communication, team work, and process-based safety procedures (Wang 2002, p. 3).
Principally, risks can be managed and averted with proper communication between members of the surgical team, as well as other clinical teams. The ASP is required to be able to notice unusual occurrences in surgical patients. Surgeons must have clinical privileges to perform surgeries so as to avert risks. ASPs must be on the lookout for risk factors such as surgeries on the wrong patient, medication errors, and performance of the wrong procedure among other risks. ASPs are also expected to have an inspection checklist to be used before surgical procedures and before anesthetizations because of the risky nature of these procedures (Youngberg 2011, p. 343).
Principles of risk management associated with the role of ASPs include pursuing every surgery with accurate precision, following all surgical guidelines to the letter, and careful documentation of a patient’s history, physical examination results, and follow up plans. The ASP should assist the surgeon in ensuring that the rest of the surgical team complies to these principles in order to avert risks. ASPs also need to stick to protocols and not take anything for granted so that the chances of risks can be lowered (Osuch & Bonham 1994, p. 272).
References
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