Operating room nurses’ perceptions of teamwork and learning in the operating room - A qualitative study

Background Effective teamwork and communication are crucial in surgical settings to ensure patient safety and deliver high-quality care. Operating Room Nurses (ORNs) play a critical role in managing complex technological environments and coordinating with multi-professional teams. Despite the recognised importance of teamwork, limited research exists on how ORNs perceive and experience teamwork and learning in paediatric operating rooms. Aim This study aimed to explore the perceptions of operating room nurses regarding teamwork and learning processes within paediatric perioperative care settings. Method A phenomenographic design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with ten ORNs who had completed an advanced course in perioperative paediatric care. Participants were selected through purposive sampling from six hospitals across Sweden. Data were analysed using a seven-step phenomenographic approach to identify variations in understanding. Results Two distinct approaches to teamwork and learning emerged: a team-oriented approach, emphasising shared experiential learning and communication within the team, and a personoriented approach, focusing on individualised patient care and preparation through diverse informational resources. Subcategories included ‘Communication ‘and ‘Reading about the patient, ‘highlighting the importance of interprofessional collaboration and holistic patient understanding. Conclusion The findings highlight the dual perspectives of teamwork and learning among ORNs, with implications for improving patient outcomes and safety. Integrating both team-oriented and person-oriented approaches in training programs may promote adaptive teamwork and interprofessional learning. Further research is needed to explore team maturity and its impact on clinical practice.