Human factors and operating room safety

Surg Clin North Am. 2012 Feb;92(1):21-35. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2011.11.007. Epub 2011 Dec 27.

Abstract

A human factors model is used to highlight the nature of many systems factors that affect surgical performance, including the OR environment, teamwork and communication, technology and equipment, tasks and workload factors, and organizational variables. If further improvements in the success rate and reliability of cardiac surgery are to be realized, interventions need to be developed to reduce the negative impact that work system failures can have on surgical performance. Some recommendations are proposed here; however, several challenges remain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Technology
  • Ergonomics / standards
  • General Surgery
  • Health Facility Environment
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control*
  • Operating Rooms / organization & administration*
  • Organizational Culture
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Patient Safety*
  • Safety Management / organization & administration*
  • Workload