“Enhancing Patient Safety: The Collaborative Role of Nurses and Operating Room Technicians in Surgical Settings “

Name: Ghadi Hussain Nassar Alshareef

Name: Mohammed Musaad A Alansari

Name: Wesam Abdalhamed H Sindi

Name: Areej Mohammed Abdulaziz

Name: Rayyan Mohammad A Hawladar

Name: Walaa Hassan Ahmed

Name: Rabab Turaykhim Alsirwani

Name: Assem Fauzi Felembar

Name: Abdullah Mohel Al Hakami

Name: Ayman Anwer Basabrin

Name: Asim Hussain Alsini

Name: Sahar Nasser Alharbi

Enhancing Patient Safety: The Collaborative Role of Nurses and Operating Room Technicians in Surgical Settings

Abstract

This study examines the collaborative role of nurses and operating room (OR) technicians in enhancing patient safety within surgical settings. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews from a sample of 200 participants (100 nurses and 100 OR technicians) working in three tertiary hospitals. The quantitative component involved a structured questionnaire to measure the perceived level of collaboration, adherence to patient safety protocols, and communication practices, while the qualitative component sought to explore the underlying dynamics, challenges, and perspectives regarding teamwork in the operating room. The results revealed a generally high level of collaboration (mean = 4.2, SD = 0.6) between nurses and OR technicians, with a positive correlation (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) between effective teamwork and adherence to safety protocols. However, challenges such as communication barriers, role ambiguity, and hierarchical conflicts were identified, which could affect team performance. Nurses reported higher confidence in following safety protocols compared to technicians (mean = 4.5 vs. mean = 4.1). Thematic analysis of interview data revealed three major themes: the importance of communication, challenges in team dynamics, and the need for continuous training. Based on these findings, the study recommends standardizing communication practices, clarifying roles, promoting team-building activities, and implementing regular joint training sessions to enhance collaboration and patient safety. The study contributes to the growing body of research emphasizing the critical role of interdisciplinary teamwork in surgical settings and offers practical recommendations to address identified gaps in team performance.

Key word: Patient Safety, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Operating Room Technicians, Nurses’ Role Teamwork

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