Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
6-23-2025
First Advisor
Lisa Drake
Second Advisor
Jacquie Sands
Abstract
Effective communication in the operating room (OR) is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes. Communication breakdowns among surgical teams are a leading cause of sentinel events and procedural errors. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to enhance communication perception among OR nursing staff through a structured training program focused on verbal, non-verbal, active listening, and communication under pressure. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory and implemented using both Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, the intervention included interactive workshops and simulation exercises delivered over a six-week period. A total of 50 registered nurses participated in the training. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered and analyzed using paired t-tests to measure perceived communication improvements. Statistically significant gains were observed across all four communication domains, with the most notable improvement in communication under pressure. Participants reported increased confidence, role clarity, and team collaboration in high-stress surgical environments. The methodology was validated by a professional statistician, ensuring the reliability and validity of the results. This project demonstrates that structured communication training can improve team dynamics, reduce miscommunication, and promote a culture of safety in the OR. It offers a replicable model for nursing leaders and administrators aiming to implement low-cost, high-impact interventions that align with patient safety goals and evidence-based practice.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Awu, Denis, "Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Communication Perceptions among Nursing Staff in the Operating Room" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 166.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/166
