Final answer:
Surgical team members must avoid bias against patients, maintain a sterile work environment, and ensure proper communication and safety during procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surgical team members must avoid bias and discrimination against patients. Various stress factors such as work overload, heavy physical work, and dealing with patient concerns and death can impact the dynamics within a surgical team. Interpersonal problems with medical staff and the challenges of maintaining a sterile environment further add to the complexity of the surgical setting. In addition, health professionals, including those in surgery, should refrain from recommending unproven methods to patients, which could lead to misinformation or harm.
Members of the team are also at risk of infections and contamination, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper aseptic technique during medical procedures. For example, dentists and phlebotomists have a higher risk of needle sticks, and creating a sterile field is crucial to prevent sepsis. Moreover, it is essential for the surgical team to participate in a 'time out' before skin incision to ensure the correct patient, procedure, and site are confirmed, enhancing patient safety. Thus, the focus of the surgical team must always be on the best practices for patient care and safety.