Study: Debriefing documentation improves OR communication

Editor's Note

A study published August 6 in the journal Surgery highlights the impact of structured debriefing tools on improving communication and patient safety in the OR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted over three years, the study implemented a new electronic health record (EHR) module to document surgical debriefings and assess their effectiveness through surveys across 56 ORs in three hospital towers.

Based on 49,426 recorded surgical debriefings, findings revealed a significant increase in debriefing frequency, with an 88% incidence by the third year, reflecting a 111% rise. Post-intervention surveys demonstrated notable improvements: 52% of respondents perceived debriefings as very or extremely effective, compared to 38% before the intervention. Discussions about equipment issues increased from 75% to 87%, loop closure frequency improved from 34% to 46%, and leadership involvement in addressing debriefing issues rose from 3% to 14%.

Despite pandemic-related challenges, such as limited resources and reduced capacity for face-to-face training, the structured approach enhanced team coordination and communication, researchers wrote. This aligns with WHO guidelines advocating for structured communication tools to foster effective interaction in high-stress environments. While the pandemic disrupted standard workflows, the study's protocol offered a solution to improve documentation, compliance, and feedback, particularly during urgent and emergent surgeries.