Exploring human factors in the operating room: scoping review of training offerings for healthcare professionals | JoVE Visualize

Exploring human factors in the operating room: scoping review of training offerings for healthcare professionals

Alex Lee¹, Alexandra Finstad¹, Ben Tipney²

¹Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

BJS Open|March 29, 2022

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Human factors (HF) training in the operating room (OR) primarily focuses on psychology and teamwork skills. Broader inclusion of sociotechnical factors is needed to enhance OR patient safety.

Area of Science:

Healthcare research
Patient safety
Human factors engineering

Background:

Human factors (HF) integration is crucial for improving patient safety in the operating room (OR).
The extent of current knowledge regarding HF training content for the OR environment is not well-defined.
This study investigates the specific content of HF training programs designed for the operative setting.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore and classify the content of human factors training for the operating room environment.
To identify the key skills and knowledge areas covered in existing HF interventions for surgical settings.
To assess the comprehensiveness of current HF training against established frameworks.

Main Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted across six bibliographic databases.
Studies describing HF interventions for the OR were identified and reviewed.
Skills taught were categorized using the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) framework, encompassing 67 knowledge areas within five domains.

Main Results:

Twenty-eight studies detailing 27 unique HF interventions were included.
Training predominantly targeted interdisciplinary groups, including surgeons, nurses, and surgical trainees.
All interventions utilized interactive teaching methods like multimedia and simulation.
Core skills taught included 'behaviours and attitudes' and 'team work', alongside 'communication', 'situation awareness', and 'leadership'.
Few interventions covered anatomy and physiology, and none addressed 'work environment' knowledge areas.

Conclusions:

Current HF training in the OR settings is heavily focused on psychological and interpersonal skills.
There is a significant gap in addressing sociotechnical factors, including the work environment, technology, and organizational culture.
Expanding HF education requires incorporating a wider range of factors to comprehensively improve OR safety for all stakeholders.