A University of Toronto researcher, Patricia Trbovich, is exploring the potential benefits of "black boxes" in operating rooms, similar to those used in aviation. The OR Black Box® records audio, video, and environmental data during surgeries, capturing key elements like surgeon communication, tool usage, and room conditions. By analyzing this data, Trbovich and her team aim to identify factors that impact surgical safety and performance, such as technical malfunctions or environmental distractions, without blaming individual surgeons. Instead, the goal is to uncover patterns and best practices that can improve patient care.

The OR Black Box, initially introduced for laparoscopic surgeries, also helps identify successful strategies used by surgical teams to overcome challenges, promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement. As the project progresses, the team is working to automate data analysis to proactively identify risks and enhance preventive measures in healthcare.