Distracting Factors in the Operating Room and Their Management: A Systematic Review of Current Approaches
4.International Congress of Multidisciplinary Medical and Health Sciences Studies, Ankara, Turkey, 7 - 08 June 2026, pp.294-306, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- City: Ankara
- Country: Turkey
- Page Numbers: pp.294-306
- Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
In the operating room environment, a distracting event is defined as an event that may cause the surgical process to be interrupted by distracting surgical team members from their primary tasks. The operating room is a highly complex clinical environment that demands sustained attention, effective communication, precise coordination, and advanced technical competence.Distracting factors encountered during surgical procedures may adversely influence surgical team performance, disrupt workflow, impair situational awareness, and ultimately compromise patient safety. Distracting factors were classified into four categories; environmental, communication-related, technological, and human factors. The findings demonstrated that frequent door openings, excessive environmental noise, equipment shortages, alarms, mobile phone interruptions, and case-irrelevant conversations were among the most prevalent sources of distraction. These factors contribute to increased cognitive workload, interruptions in task continuity, communication failures, and reduced concentration during critical phases of surgery. Moreover, repeated exposure to distractions may increase the likelihood of preventable medical errors and negatively affect patient outcomes. Therefore, reducing distractions is crucial for improving perioperative safety, enhancing surgical team performance, and supporting high-quality patient care. Current evidence suggests that strategies such as the sterile cockpit concept, surgical safety checklists, structured communication tools like SBAR, alarm management protocols, and crew resource management training are effective in managing distracting events. Simulation-based training programs and workflow standardization have also been shown to strengthen team communication and reduce avoidable interruptions. To reduce distractions in the operating room environment, it is recommended to use structured communication strategies, expand team resource management training, and develop standard practice protocols at the institutional level. This review aims to systematically examine the distracting factors encountered in operating rooms and to evaluate contemporary strategies developed to minimize their impact.
Keywords: Operating Room, Distractions, Patient Safety, Surgical Team, Human Factors