Effectiveness of video vs live observation in improving OR teamwork

Editor's Note

Video observation was not be as effective as evaluating live performance in promoting OR teamwork in this study.

A total of 1,410 briefs were analyzed−325 live observations and 1,085 videos−and 1,398 debriefs were evaluated−166 live and 1,232 video.

For briefs, there was greater compliance with live observation than video for:

• recognition of team membership (87% vs 44%)
• anticipation of complex procedural events (61% vs 45%)
• monitoring of resources (58% vs 42%).

For debriefs, compared to video, there was greater compliance with live observation for:

• determination of team structure (90% vs 60%)
• establishment of a leader (70% vs 51%)
• postoperative planning (77% vs 48%)
• case review and feedback (49% vs 33%)
• team engagement (64% vs 41%)
• checkback (61% vs 46%).

Live observation allows for immediate feedback, which may improve behavior and decrease barriers to compliance with surgical safety practices, the authors say.