Operating Room Nurses and Surgeons' Experiences with Surgical Teamwork: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: Collaboration between operating room nurses and surgeons is crucial for patient safety. However, few studies have examined the experiences of these professionals to highlight the factors that promote teamwork in the operating room. In this study, we aimed to describe operating room nurses' and surgeons' experiences of surgical teamwork and to highlight the factors that promote such teamwork.

DESIGN

We selected a qualitative descriptive design.

METHODS

Six operating room nurses and five surgeons were interviewed. The data were analyzed using systematic text condensation.

FINDINGS: Three categories were identified in the analysis as enhancing collaboration and teamwork in surgical teams: (1) Clear communication and operation booking forms; (2) Clinical experience and situational awareness; (3) Respect and having an understanding of one another's roles and responsibilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological safety among operating room nurses and surgeons promotes teamwork in the operating room. This is facilitated by continuity in the surgical team, debriefings, and mutual respect.