Human factors affecting intraoperative patient safety

Area of Science:

• Medical Safety
• Human Factors in Medicine
• Surgical Patient Care

Background:

• Intraoperative patient safety is critically influenced by human factors.
• Active failures, defined as errors in decision-making and actions by individuals, represent significant risks.
• Sentinel events stemming from these failures can severely compromise patient outcomes during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of human factors on intraoperative patient safety.
• To specifically examine the role of active failures in surgical adverse events.
• To highlight the connection between physician well-being and patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on human factors and intraoperative safety.
• Analysis of active failures and their contribution to sentinel events.
• Examination of physician-related factors affecting patient safety.

Main Results:

• Disruptive communication, including intimidating and aggressive interactions, poses a substantial threat to patient safety.
• The physical and mental condition of anesthesiologists can directly impact patient safety during procedures.
• Individual physician well-being and the work environment are interconnected factors influencing safety.

Conclusions:

• Physician well-being is a multifaceted concept encompassing individual and environmental aspects.
• Enhancing intraoperative patient safety necessitates interventions at both personal and systemic levels.
• Implementing policies against rude and dismissive communication is vital for improving surgical safety.