Surgical Communication

The challenges of O.R. communication

Effective communication is essential both inside and outside of the operating room. Inside the O.R., a high degree of coordination between individuals is necessary to lower risk-adjusted morbidity and avoid adverse events3. During surgery, external collaboration can be key to achieving optimal outcomes, however, clinical experts may not always be available to attend. Witnessing surgeries enriches medical students’ education, but an increase in traffic in the O.R. can also mean an increase in risk of infection for the patient4.

Illustration depicting the challenges of communication in the O.R.

Fostering effective exchange

Brainlab Digital O.R. technology strives to consolidate communication to ensure that the entire team has simultaneous access to the same information in the O.R., but also to make essential information available beyond the O.R.

At the touch of a finger on the Buzz user interface, information and video can be streamed and shared to other locations outside the O.R., expanding teaching and expert collaboration opportunities.

You’ve seen how Brainlab Digital O.R. facilitates communication. Now learn more about integration, documentation and surgical planning in the operating room.

  1. Leonard, M. G. (2004). The human factor: the critical importance of effective teamwork and communication in providing safe care. Quality & safety in health care, 13 (Suppl. 1), i85-i90.

  2. E-Health-Com. (2017). Trend Guide – Gesundheits-IT.

  3. Hu YY, A. A. (2012). Deconstructing intraoperative communication failures. J. Surg. Res, 177(1), 37-42.

  4. Spagnolo A.M., O. G. (2013). Operating theatre quality and prevention of surgical site infections. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 54(3), 131-137.