The Role of the Nursing, Anesthesia, and Operating Room Technician Teams in Enhancing Patient Safety During Surgical Procedures: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Patient safety during surgical procedures relies on the coordinated performance of perioperative nursing teams, anesthesia providers, and operating room technicians. These professionals collectively contribute to preventing adverse events, maintaining sterile technique, ensuring equipment functionality, and fostering effective communication. As surgical procedures become increasingly complex, understanding the specific roles and collaborative practices that enhance patient safety has become essential.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the contributions of perioperative nurses, anesthesia teams, and operating room technicians to patient safety in surgical settings. A comprehensive database search was performed using predefined keywords related to perioperative practice and safety outcomes. Studies were screened using established eligibility criteria, followed by full-text assessment. Data were extracted using a structured form, and quality appraisal tools appropriate for each study design were applied. Due to heterogeneity among study methodologies, a narrative synthesis approach was used. After modifications, four studies met all inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the final analysis.

Results: The synthesis of the four studies revealed three major themes: direct safety contributions of perioperative team roles, the centrality of communication and interprofessional collaboration, and systemic challenges influencing team performance. Nursing teams were shown to play key roles in preventing surgical site infections, ensuring accurate surgical counts, and supporting safety protocols. Anesthesia teams, including technicians, contributed to risk reduction by ensuring equipment readiness, maintaining physiological stability, and adhering to medication safety standards. Operating room technicians supported workflow efficiency through equipment maintenance and sterile processing. Barriers such as hierarchical communication, environmental distractions, staffing shortages, and inconsistent use of safety checklists were frequently identified, while interventions such as structured communication tools, psychological safety, and simulation-based team training were effective in improving safety outcomes.

Conclusion: This review demonstrates that perioperative nurses, anesthesia teams, and operating room technicians collectively create a robust safety framework in surgical environments. Their effectiveness depends on clear communication, mutual respect, adequate staffing, and strong organizational support. Interprofessional teamwork and a positive safety culture are essential for minimizing preventable harm and optimizing surgical patient outcomes