Clinical risk management in theatres. Professional practice: are you a team player?

Adverse patient outcomes in theatres are most frequently caused by a breakdown in the continuity of care as the patient moves through the operating theatre suite. The effective management of clinical risk of liability exposures requires a co-ordinated, integrated theatre process which focuses on providing safe, high quality patient care. This article will cover the main areas of concern to theatre nurses, ways of addressing the risk exposure and providing the best service for patients.