Communication in the operating theatre (14 November 2013)

Summary

Communication is extremely important to ensure safe and effective clinical practice. This systematic literature review of observational studies addressing communication in the operating theatre aimed to gain an understanding of actual communication practices, rather than what was reported through recollections and interviews.

In all of the studies reviewed, communication was found to affect operating theatre practices. Further detailed observational research is needed to gain a better understanding of how to improve the working environment and patient safety in theatre.