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World Journal of Surgery

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01-12-2018 | Original Scientific Report

Noise in the Operating Room Distracts Members of the Surgical Team. An Observational Study

Authors: Sandra Keller, Franziska Tschan, Norbert K. Semmer, Eliane Holzer, Daniel Candinas, Mark Brink, Guido Beldi

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 12/2018

Abstract

Background

Noise pollution in operation rooms may distract the surgical team members. In particular during phases of high task complexity, noise can jeopardize concentration. Phases of high complexity are related to task specificities and may thus be different for different members of the surgical team.

Study design

Noise exposure was measured during 110 open abdominal surgeries. Distinguishing three phases (opening, main phase, and closing), noise was related to self-report of distraction levels by main and secondary surgeons, scrub nurses and anesthetists.

Results

Noise pollution was higher than recommended levels for concentrated work. Adjusted for duration, surgical type, and difficulty of the surgery, results showed that second surgeons are more likely distracted when noise pollution was high in the main phase; and anesthetists are more likely distracted when noise pollution was high during the closing phase. Main surgeons’ and scrub nurses’ concentration was not impaired by measured noise levels.

Conclusions

In phases with higher concentration demands, noise pollution was particularly distracting for second surgeons and anesthetist, corresponding to their specific task demands (anesthetists) and experience (second surgeons). Reducing noise levels particularly in the main and closing phase of the surgery may reduce concentration impairments.

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Title: Noise in the Operating Room Distracts Members of the Surgical Team. An Observational Study
Authors: Sandra Keller
Franziska Tschan
Norbert K. Semmer
Eliane Holzer
Daniel Candinas
Mark Brink
Guido Beldi
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 12/2018
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-018-4730-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Noise in the Operating Room Distracts Members of the Surgical Team. An Observational Study

Abstract

Background

Study design

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Study design

Results

Conclusions

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