Identification of the Relationship Between Health Professionals’ Managerial Attitudes and Distractions in the Operating Room: A Mixed Design Study

Abstract

Background

Operating rooms are high-risk environments where managerial attitudes and workplace distractions significantly impact patient safety and teamwork. However, the relationship between these factors remains insufficiently explored.

Purpose

This study aims to identify the relationship between healthcare professionals’ managerial attitudes and distractions in the operating room.

Methods

A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using a descriptive and cross-sectional approach, while qualitative data were obtained through a phenomenological design. 82 healthcare professionals in the operating room of a hospital were involved in the study. The Operating Room Management Attitude Scale and the Distractions in Surgery Index were used for quantitative assessment and analyzed via SPSS 22.0. Semistructured in-depth interviews provided qualitative data, which were evaluated using content analysis.

Results

Managerial attitudes were identified as key determinants of team dynamics and workplace distractions. The total mean score of the Operating Room Management Attitude Scale was 148.95 ± 37.5, with the most affected subscales being stress and fatigue (30.85 ± 7.46) and work values (28.48 ± 8.12). The most common sources of distraction included temperature (62.68%), unavailable or not working equipment (57.8%), and tiredness (68.9%). Furthermore, inadequate organizational structures, communication deficiencies, and environmental factors contributed to increased distraction levels. Leadership style directly affected employees’ job satisfaction and stress levels.

Conclusions

Implications for practice: Implementing effective management strategies, ensuring a balanced distribution of workload, and minimizing distractions in the operating room can enhance patient safety by improving the efficiency and well-being of healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of targeted interventions to mitigate these challenges.