Teamwork in the Operating Room: A Survey on Anesthesiologist-Surgeon Interaction in a German University Hospital...

Area of Science:

• Medical Communication
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Professional Collaboration

Background:

• Effective communication between surgeons and anesthesiologists in the operating room (OR) is crucial for patient safety.
• Communication deficits are a leading cause of medical errors in surgical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess communication dynamics between surgeons and anesthesiologists in the OR.
• To identify the prevalence of communication deficits and their impact on patient safety.
• To investigate perceptions of gender-based discrimination in the OR.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous, interdisciplinary online survey was distributed to 837 surgeons and anesthesiologists at a university hospital.
• The survey included 28 items across 5 thematic domains, collecting data from January to March 2024.
• Data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively using the χ2 test.

Main Results:

• 67% of 183 respondents desired more communication in the OR.
• 65% reported preventable incidents due to communication deficits, with anesthesiologists more likely to report them.
• 36% experienced gender-based discrimination, with anesthesiologists and female physicians disproportionately affected.

Conclusions:

• Significant communication gaps and preventable patient safety incidents exist between surgeons and anesthesiologists.
• Perceived gender-based discrimination impacts healthcare professionals in the OR.
• Findings highlight the need for improved interdisciplinary collaboration and respectful dialogue in operating rooms to enhance patient safety and promote equality.