This study aimed to identify disruptions perceived by operating theatre staff to improve concentration, patient safety and quality of care.

A survey of 156 medical staff at a tertiary hospital in Seoul analysed disruptions using the chi-square (χ²) test according to participant characteristics.

Equipment issues were the most disruptive, with 91.7% reporting ‘equipment availability’. Frequently experienced factors included ‘surgery-related discussions’ and ‘operating theatre temperature’. The ‘absence of the surgical team’ was rated the most disruptive (90.4%) and the most negatively impactful (93.6%).

The most disruptive factor perceived by the operating theatre staff was equipment issues, emphasising the need for strategies to minimise disruptions. Addressing these issues is crucial to improving operating theatre efficiency, patient safety and quality of care.