Operating Room Drugs and, Consumables Distribution Systems: Knowledge, Attitude and, Practice among Operating Room Workforce in a Tertiary Hospital in the Developing World

Abstract

Drug and consumables distribution system in the operating room is key to the smooth running of the operating room in any hospital. Technological advancements have led to the development of newer and more efficient distribution systems. We aim to assess the knowledge, attitude and, practice of drug and consumable distribution systems among operating room workforce of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. The study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among the various categories of professionals of the operating room workforce. Two sets of questionnaires with structured questions on the knowledge, attitude and practice of operating room drug and consumables distribution system were administered one after the other on the operating room personnel. 282 of 363 operating room workforce consented and responded to the questionnaires. The workforce is made up of surgeons 198 (70%), physician anaesthetists 28 (10%), nurse anaesthetists 25 (9%) and, perioperative nurses 31 (11%). Their mean age was 42.61+8.74 years, 175 (64%) aged between 30 and 49 years with male to female ratio of 2.9:1. The majority 243 (86%) of respondents did not know the meaning of an operating room drug and consumable distribution system. After explanation, it was discovered that 228 (81%) had experienced the individual prescription order system with its associated wastages 195 (69%), medication errors 130 (46%,) and, delay or scheduling of cases 183 (65%). This study revealed poor knowledge of drug and consumables distribution system among operating room workforce in our institution. The study centre uses individual prescription order system with significant untoward effects. We recommend improved awareness of the theatre workforce on drug and consumable distribution systems.