To Örebro University

Background: In the Operating room environment, it is most important how individuals experience specific knowledge and how they solve the complex tasks in perioperative practice, to enhance safe clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare perceived competence and self-efficacy (SE) among Swedish operating room (OR) nurses and registered nurse anesthetists (RNAs), and to evaluate the relationship between SE and competence, gender, age, and years of experience. In a comparative cross‐sectional design, an online questionnaire was sent to the members of the Swedish Association of Health Professionals (n 2,902). With n=1,033 responses, a response rate of 39% perioperative nurses was achieved (505 OR nurses and 528 RNAs). A Swedish translation of the instrument Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised (PPCS-R) measuring perceived competence, and the General self-efficacy (GSE) scale was used. OR nurses showed significantly higher scores on two of the six PPCS-R subscales, foundational knowledge and leadership as well as GSE scores compared with RNAs. The RNA group showed significantly higher empathy scores compared with OR nurses. Among the OR nurses, professional development made the strongest contribution to SE and proficiency among the RNAs. This result indicates differences in perceived competence and SE between OR nurses and RNAs and also suggests that gender may be an independent factor affecting self-efficacy and proficiency among the RNAs.

Implications for practice: Based on our findings the presentation may provide a positive impact, highlighting the importance of reflecting on and to measure self-reported perioperative competence and SE, thus allowing both the team and the individual to identify areas where education and training are necessary to ensure safe care. The findings can also be an opportunity for managers and leaders using the results to strengthen and improve perioperative care to enhance safe clinical practice.