Explaining The Impact of Surgical Team Communication Skills On Patient Safety In The Operating Room: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to explain the causes and attributes of communication skill of the surgical team and patient safety in the operating room.Background: Communication skills and how to work in a team is one of the effective factors on the incidence of error and patient safety in the operating room. However, the quality of this communication and how communication skills increase the patient's safety in the operating room is not entirely clear. The aim of this study was to find out the relationship between communication skills and patient safety in the operating room.Methods: This qualitative study was performed based on grounded theory approach. In this study, data collection was performed by conducting semi-structured interviews. Eight interviews were conducted with members of the surgical team including surgeons, operating room and anesthesia experts, and the samples were selected purposefully. The obtained data were analyzed by Strauss and Corbin’s approach.Results: In data analysis, two main categories were extracted: Factors affecting patient safety before surgery and Factors affecting patient safety during surgery. Consequently, eight sub-themes were classified.Conclusion: The results of the present study show that working in the operating room is a teamwork that requires cooperation and communication. In addition, the formation of proper communication between members of the surgical team has a significant impact on patient safety in the operating room.Relevance to clinical practice: Since the formation of proper communication between members of the surgical team can affect patient safety in the operating room, improving the communication skills of surgical team members can improve patient safety in the operating room.