Investigation of Operating Theatre Nurses' Attitudes Towards Safe Technology Use in the Operating Theatre: A Descriptive Study

INTRODUCTION: Since advanced technological equipment is used in operating theaters, the safe use of technology is crucial. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of operating theater nurses toward the safe use of technology in the operating theater.
METHODS: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 120 operating theater nurses between December 2023 and March 2024. Data were collected using the Healthcare Worker Identification Form and the Safe Technology Use Scale in the Operating Theatre.
RESULTS: The mean score of the General Practices Scale section was 4.24±0.78, the mean score of the Surgical Team Scale section was 4.24±0.69, and the total mean score of the Safe Technology Use Scale in the Operating Theatre was 4.24±0.67. A significant relationship was found between participants' educational status and their scores on the General Practices Scale section, the Surgical Team Scale section, and the total scale score. Nurses who were high school graduates had higher total scale scores and General Practices Scale scores than those with a bachelor's degree. Nurses with a bachelor's degree had higher total scale scores and General Practices Scale scores than those with postgraduate education. Additionally, nurses with a bachelor's degree had higher Surgical Team Scale scores than those with postgraduate education.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that operating theater nurses believe they use technology safely and have a positive attitude toward its use. The low standard deviations of the mean scores suggest that participants' opinions on this issue are consistent.