Patient Safety in the Cardiac Operating Room: Human Factors and Teamwork: A Scientific Study from the American Heart Association

Joyce A. Wahr, Richard L. Prager, J. H. Abernathy, Elizabeth A. Martinez, Eduardo Salas, Patricia C. Seifert, Robert C. Groom, Bruce D. Spiess, Bruce E. Searles, Thoralf M. Sundt, Juan A. Sanchez, Scott A. Shappell, Michael H. Culig, Elizabeth H. Lazzara, David C. Fitzgerald, Vinod H. Thourani, Pirooz Eghtesady, John S. Ikonomidis, Michael R. England, Frank W. SelkeNancy A. Nussmeier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The cardiac surgical operating room (OR) is a complex environment in which highly trained subspecialists interact with each other using sophisticated equipment to care for patients with severe cardiac disease and significant comorbidities. Thousands of patient lives have been saved or significantly improved with the advent of modern cardiac surgery. Indeed, both mortality and morbidity for coronary artery bypass surgery have decreased during the past decade. Nonetheless, the highly skilled and dedicated personnel in cardiac ORs are human and will make errors. Refined techniques, advanced technologies, and enhanced coordination of care have led to significant improvements in cardiac surgery outcomes.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalCirculation
Volume128
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 3 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cardiac operating room procedures
  • patient safety
  • surgery
  • human factors
  • safety culture

Disciplines

  • Cardiology
  • Human Factors Psychology
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Surgery

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