This article discusses research being conducted at North York General Hospital (NYGH) on the importance of psychological safety and effective teamwork in the operating room. Researchers are using data from the OR Black Box® to analyze team dynamics and communication patterns during surgery.

The study found that during unexpected situations, nurses anticipate needs and offer assistance, while surgeons and trainees focus on voicing concerns and problem-solving. The researchers believe that the ability to safely recover from uncertainty in the OR is heavily dependent on effective teamwork. By systematically analyzing these team interactions, they aim to identify communication patterns and behaviors that support successful outcomes and improve surgical safety, quality, and efficiency. The research team hopes to share their findings with other hospitals to inform training programs and drive improvements in surgical care.