Perioperative Communication Gaps: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

Communication breakdowns are a leading cause of sentinel events in health care environments, including perioperative areas. Effective interdisciplinary communication exchanges can contribute to staff member collaboration and patient safety. This qualitative research study explored perceptions associated with communication among surgical services personnel across the perioperative phases of care. At a variety of sites in a midwestern health system, focus group participants (ie, OR RNs, preoperative and postoperative RNs, surgical technologists, surgical assistants, patient care assistants, and sterile processing technicians) discussed communication workflows and areas of communication gaps. Focus group data were then analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis techniques, which revealed three themes regarding communication gaps: technology impacts on communication, communication inconsistencies, and communication omission and audience. Although additional research is needed, perioperative nurses should be aware of communication gaps as they strive to enhance patient safety, improve workflow efficiency, and foster a positive perioperative care environment.

Keywords: communication gaps; focus groups; rapid qualitative analysis (RQA); structured checklists; team communication.