Perceptions of Nurse-Surgeon Communication in the Operating Room: A Q-Methodology Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Communication
• Nursing and Surgical Practice
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Inadequate communication between nurses and surgeons in operating rooms (ORs) is linked to patient injuries and increased healthcare costs.
• Understanding subjective perceptions of communication is crucial for improving healthcare quality and safety.
• Existing research often lacks a deep dive into the nuanced values, beliefs, and attitudes shaping these interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and understand the subjective perceptions of communication between Korean nurses and surgeons in the OR.
• To explore the values, beliefs, and attitudes influencing nurse-surgeon communication dynamics.
• To categorize distinct communication patterns within the OR setting.

Main Methods:

• Q-methodology was utilized, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• A convenience sample of 46 participants (nurses and surgeons) classified 45 Q-statements.
• Data were analyzed using by-person factor analysis with the pc-QUANL program.

Main Results:

• Four distinct types of nurse-surgeon communication were identified: professional communication, cynical conflict, passive task-oriented communication, and relationship-oriented endurance.
• These four types explained 58.7% of the total variance in communication perceptions.
• Type 1 (professional communication) accounted for the largest variance (38.7%).

Conclusions:

• Tailored strategies are essential to enhance nurse-surgeon communication based on the identified types.
• Improving communication dynamics can lead to more effective interactions, enhanced patient care and safety, and increased job satisfaction.
• Findings offer valuable insights for healthcare organizations and nursing managers in Korea and globally.