Reduced stress and improved working conditions are just some of the benefits experienced by the staff at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic at Akademiska Sjukhuset Uppsala, where a specially designed ergonomic lighting system has been installed.
Just two months ago, it was not uncommon to see Doctor and Surgeon Adnan Lidian performing surgeries in a darkened operating theatre.
— In the old operation department where we had been for many years, we had no possibility to adjust the lighting in the room. It was either very bright or completely dark, which is not ideal for our type of surgery, he says and continues:
— The old lighting was problematic as it didn't provide sufficient visibility. There were reflections from the screens, and if we made the room completely dark, it would negatively impact the rest of the operation staff who wouldn't be able to see their instruments. The lighting made it demanding and stressful for everyone.
The Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic primarily deals with nose and sinus surgery, which involves the use of equipment such as cameras and screens. This technical equipment places significant demands on the lighting, which, according to Adnan Lidian, should be ergonomic.
— When you're dealing with this type of surgery, where we operate from screens and investigate airways and noses, ergonomic lighting should be a priority from the beginning. Ergonomic lighting makes details on the screen easier to see and creates better contrasts in the images. As staff, we become more relaxed and less stressed, our eyes function better, and most importantly, we see better. All of this allow us to operate more quickly and effectively, he explains.
But it's not just the surgeons who have noticed a significant improvement in the environmentdepartment.
A department for everyone
In addition to being tailored to the staff, the lighting in the new operating theatre at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic has also been designed to create a more comforting and relaxing atmosphere for patients.
— The lighting isn't just this red and green ergonomic light. It also includes custom lighting settings for patients. When they enter the theatre, there's a slight dimmer which feels warmer and cozier than the old cold light. It also has a positive effect on me, and it feels more pleasant, says Christer Larsson, who is a surgical nurse in the department.
Christer Larsson, responsible for instrumentation during surgeries, also experiences the many beneficial effects of ergonomic lighting.
— Now, I haven't instrumented many times in this theatre, but it's easier to see, and it's easier to follow the operation. It's not as straining, especially for the eyes, he explains.
The lighting in the operating theatre was designed and developed by the innovation company Chromaviso, specialists in evidence-based lighting for the healthcare sector. Adnan Lidian also mentions that the staff was involved throughout the entire process.
— We invited Chromaviso into the department, where we together found a solution that suited our theatres very well, he says and concludes:
— It has been a significant improvement. We finally feel like we're working in a more modern OR department.
Learn more about our ergonomic lighting for operating theaters, Chroma Zona, by clicking here.
