To speak or not to speak: Factors influencing medical students’ speech and silence in the operating room

Purpose

The surgical clerkship provides medical students with valuable hands-on experience. This study examined why medical students speak or remain silent in the OR to improve progression from novice to engaged surgical team member.

Methods

Using Constructivist Grounded Theory 37 interviews were conducted concerning expectations and behaviors that encourage or discourage students from speaking during their clerkship. Transcripts were coded, analyzed, and triangulated to develop a conceptual model.

Results

Students’ decision to speak or remain silent was based on their perception of the OR as a safe learning space. Our findings suggest that better preparation, awareness of critical moments, and informal communication with team members encouraged student speech.

Conclusions

Medical students remain conflicted about their speaking in the OR and their evaluation. Key to improving students’ psychological safety is establishment of interpersonal relationships, awareness of OR mood, and assignment of case-related tasks to assist with OR assimilation and improved learning.