Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) hosted OTCON 2026 – “Beyond the Scalpel: Shaping the Future of OT Nursing” on August 8, bringing together nursing professionals, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, infection-control experts, educators and industry specialists to discuss emerging practices and innovations in operative nursing and perioperative care.

The day-long conference focused on strengthening surgical safety, improving perioperative care and enhancing patient outcomes. 

The scientific programme began with a session on evidence-based practice in perioperative nursing, followed by discussions on preventing surgical-site infections and strengthening the role of operating theatre teams in infection control. Experts also examined the surgical safety checklist and the need to move beyond routine box-ticking towards a broader culture of communication, accountability and patient safety.

Other sessions covered specialised surgical instrument management, the role of nurses in robotic surgery, stoma care and management, bleeding management, and building a high-reliability operating theatre culture. The conference also addressed the empowerment, governance and legal responsibilities of OT nurses, reflecting the profession’s expanding clinical and organisational role. A quiz competition added an interactive learning component to the programme.

Col. Madhumita Dhall, Director of Nursing, RGCIRC, said, “The operating theatre is a highly specialised environment where technical competence, teamwork and constant attention to detail directly influence patient safety. OT nurses must therefore be equipped not only with procedural knowledge, but also with the confidence to communicate, identify risks and contribute actively to clinical decision-making. OTCON 2026 was designed to strengthen this culture of learning, responsibility and professional excellence.”

Sreeba Radhakrishnan, Assistant Nursing Superintendent – OT, RGCIRC and Organising Secretary of OTCON 2026, added, “Operative nursing demands a unique combination of technical skill, situational awareness and teamwork. As surgical procedures become more advanced, OT nurses must continuously update their knowledge and remain prepared to respond to complex clinical situations. OTCON 2026 provided an important platform for nursing professionals to learn from experts, share practical experiences and strengthen the standards of perioperative care.”

A key highlight of the conference was the launch of “Mastering Operative Nursing: Theory to Theater,” authored by Dr. Ajay Kumar Dewan, Director of Surgical Oncology, RGCIRC, and Dr. Shagun Bhatia Shah, Senior Consultant – Oncoanaesthesiology, RGCIRC.

Designed for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, perioperative nurses and surgical professionals, the book combines scientific foundations with practical applications in operative nursing. It covers the complete perioperative continuum, including preoperative preparation, intraoperative management and postoperative care, with emphasis on patient safety, infection prevention, sterilisation, surgical instrumentation and teamwork.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Dewan said, “Safe surgery depends on a well-prepared and coordinated team, and operative nurses are central to that team. This book was developed to provide nursing professionals with a structured understanding of surgical principles, practical responsibilities and specialty-specific requirements. Our aim is to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the operating theatre.”

Dr. Shagun Bhatia Shah said, “Perioperative nursing is continuously evolving with advances in surgical and anaesthesia technologies. Nurses must be prepared to work confidently in complex environments while maintaining patient safety at every stage. Through this book, we have attempted to create a practical and evidence-based resource that supports both learning and day-to-day clinical practice.”