New Delhi, Aug 11: RGCIRC, one of India’s premier cancer institutes and research centers, successfully organised OTCON 2026 – “Beyond the Scalpel: Shaping the Future of OT Nursing” – an insightful event focused on the evolving practices in operative nursing and perioperative care. Held on August 8, 2026, at Indraprastha Hall, RGCIRC, Rohini, the day-long conference brought together nursing professionals, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, infection-control experts, educators and industry specialists, who deliberated on emerging trends, best practices and innovations aimed at enhancing surgical safety, strengthening perioperative care and improving patient outcomes.
The conference recognised operating theatre nurses as integral members of the surgical team whose responsibilities extend far beyond assisting during procedures. Through focused scientific sessions, OTCON 2026 highlighted their role in patient safety, infection prevention, surgical preparedness, technology-enabled procedures, instrument management and coordinated care before, during and after surgery.
The programme opened with a session on “Evidence-based practice in perioperative nursing”, followed by discussions on preventing surgical-site infections and strengthening the role of the OT team in infection control. Experts also examined how the surgical safety checklist must move beyond routine box-ticking to become part of a wider culture of communication, accountability and patient safety.
Other sessions addressed the handling of specialised surgical instruments, nurses’ responsibilities during robotic surgery, stoma care and management, bleeding management, and the development of a high-reliability operating theatre culture. The conference also discussed the empowerment, governance and legal responsibilities of OT nurses, reflecting the profession’s growing clinical and organisational role. A quiz competition added an interactive learning element to the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, 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.”
Ms. Sreeba Radhakrishnan, Assistant Nursing Superintendent – OT, RGCIRC, who was also the Organising Secretary for the event, 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 major highlight of the conference was the launch of the book “Mastering Operative Nursing: Theory to Theater,” authored by Dr. Ajay Kumar Dewan, Director of Surgical Oncology at RGCIRC, and Dr. Shagun Bhatia Shah, Senior Consultant – Oncoanaesthesiology at RGCIRC. Designed as a comprehensive guide for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, perioperative nurses and surgical professionals, the book brings together scientific foundations and practical clinical applications in operative nursing.
The publication covers the complete perioperative continuum, including preoperative preparation, intraoperative management and postoperative care. It places particular emphasis on patient safety, infection prevention, sterilisation, surgical instrumentation and teamwork. It also addresses contemporary operating theatre environments, including minimally invasive surgery, robotic procedures, enhanced recovery protocols and emerging technologies.
Commenting on the book, 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 added,
“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.”
The conference drew attention to the need for continuous training as operating rooms become increasingly technology-intensive and multidisciplinary. Participants exchanged practical insights on improving coordination, reducing avoidable errors, responding to intraoperative challenges and ensuring consistent standards of care.
Through OTCON 2026 and the launch of Mastering Operative Nursing: Theory to Theater, RGCIRC reinforced its commitment to nursing education, patient safety and multidisciplinary excellence. Guided by its core values of Ethics, Empathy and Excellence, the institute continues to support professional development initiatives that strengthen surgical care and improve patient outcomes.