Study
Published May 2013

Effect of noise on auditory processing in the operating room.

Way TJ, Long A, Weihing J, et al. J Am Coll Surg. 2013;216:933-938.

Topics
Resource Type
- Journal Article
  - › Study
Approach to Improving Safety
- Human Factors Engineering
Safety Target
- Surgical Complications
Setting of Care
- Operating Room
Clinical Area
- Surgery
Target Audience
Error Types
- Latent Errors
Origin/Sponsor
- United States of America

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Copy Citation:

Way TJ ; Long A ; Weihing J ; Jones R; et al. Effect of noise on auditory processing in the operating room. J Am Coll Surg. 2013; 216: 933-938

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Effective teamwork and communication are critical to ensuring patient safety in the busy environment of the operating room (OR). Concerns have been raised that excessive noise levels could cause distractions and inhibit communication in this setting. This study used a simulation approach to quantify the effect of noise on surgeons' ability to communicate and focus on tasks in the OR. The investigators found that ambient noise—especially music—can inhibit surgeons' auditory processing, resulting in lower quality of communication in critical situations. Because poor communication has been associated with adverse events in surgery, the authors urge that surgical teams consider the potential negative effects of playing music in the OR.

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