Abstract
BACKGROUND: Operating rooms are high-risk environments where managerial attitudes and workplace distractions significantly impact patient safety and teamwork. However, the relationship between these factors remains insufficiently explored. PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the relationship between healthcare professionals' managerial attitudes and distractions in the operating room. METHODS: A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using a descriptive and cross-sectional approach, while qualitative data were obtained through a phenomenological design. 82 healthcare professionals in the operating room of a hospital were involved in the study. The Operating Room Management Attitude Scale and the Distractions in Surgery Index were used for quantitative assessment and analyzed via SPSS 22.0. Semistructured in-depth interviews provided qualitative data, which were evaluated using content analysis. RESULTS: Managerial attitudes were identified as key determinants of team dynamics and workplace distractions. The total mean score of the Operating Room Management Attitude Scale was 148.95 ± 37.5, with the most affected subscales being stress and fatigue (30.85 ± 7.46) and work values (28.48 ± 8.12). The most common sources of distraction included temperature (62.68%), unavailable or not working equipment (57.8%), and tiredness (68.9%). Furthermore, inadequate organizational structures, communication deficiencies, and environmental factors contributed to increased distraction levels. Leadership style directly affected employees' job satisfaction and stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for practice: Implementing effective management strategies, ensuring a balanced distribution of workload, and minimizing distractions in the operating room can enhance patient safety by improving the efficiency and well-being of healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of targeted interventions to mitigate these challenges.