Attitudes regarding surgeon performance and operating room environment

The survey on "Attitudes regarding surgeon performance and operating room environment" engendered the largest response to a survey to date. Whether this is a result of increased awareness of the surveys or whether the subject matter was of greater interest will be evident as more surveys are presented in the next few months.

The responses were quite interesting, and many were predictable. 70%-80% of surgeons believe they think/function well under stress or are fatigued, and can leave their personal problems aside when in professional situations. In contrast to these responses, which mirror stereotypes of surgical personalities, most responders felt that the opinions/concerns of junior members of the surgical team should be considered when offered. It is encouraging to note the widespread support of the use and utility of “time-out” measures to help reduce the incidence of surgical wrong site/wrong operation errors. Finally, there was no consensus as to the appropriateness of work hour restrictions for surgeons. This final topic will likely engender further discussion in the near future.

Thanks to all who participated in the survey. If you have a topic for a survey that you would like to suggest, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The surveys will be posted every 4-6 weeks, keep your eyes out for the next one!

Even when fatigued, I perform effectively during critical phases of operations and patient care.
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strongly agree		23.4%	60
Agree		46.5%	119
Neutral		13.7%	35
Disagree		13.3%	34
Strongly disagree		3.1%	8
	answered question		256
	skipped question		1

A truly professional team member can leave personal problems behind when working in the operating room or ICU
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strongly agree		36.2%	92
Agree		46.1%	117
Neutral		5.5%	14
Disagree		10.6%	27
Strongly disagree		1.6%	4
	answered question		254
	skipped question		3

My decision making ability is as good in surgical emergencies as in routine situations
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strongly agree		36.6%	93
Agree		47.2%	120
Neutral		9.1%	23
Disagree		6.7%	17
Strongly disagree		0.4%	1
	answered question		254
	skipped question		3

Junior team members should not question the decisions made by senior team members
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strongly agree		2.0%	5
Agree		7.5%	19
Neutral		15.0%	38
Disagree		48.4%	123
Strongly disagree		27.2%	69
	answered question		254
	skipped question		3

A "time out" performed prior to beginning an operation facilitates communication among team members and decreases the risk of errors.
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strongly agree		38.6%	98
Agree		33.1%	84
Neutral		18.9%	48
Disagree		7.5%	19
Strongly disagree		2.0%	5
	answered question		254
	skipped question		3

I routinely participate in a "time out" prior to beginning an operation.
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strongly agree		44.9%	114
Agree		28.4%	72
Neutral		12.6%	32
Disagree		11.4%	29
Strongly disagree		2.8%	7
	answered question		254
	skipped question		3

Surgeon work hours should be restricted in a manner similar to that for airline pilots and surgical trainees.
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strongly agree		15.3%	39
Agree		30.6%	78
Neutral		12.9%	33
Disagree		22.4%	57
Strongly disagree		18.8%	48
	answered question		255
	skipped question		2

In what region is your surgical practice based?
		Response Percent	Response Count
North America		54.1%	139
Europe		26.9%	69
South America		3.9%	10
Asia		13.2%	34
Africa		2.0%	5
	answered question		257
	skipped question		0