Challenging authority and speaking up in the operating room environment: a narrative synthesis.

Pattni N, Arzola C, Malavade A, Varmani S, Krimus L, Friedman Z. Br J Anaesth. 2019;122:233-244.

Effective teamwork and communication are critical to ensuring patient safety in the busy environment of the operating room. This review examined the evidence on preparing staff to challenge authority in the perioperative environment. Common themes that affect speaking up included hierarchy, organizational culture, and education. Teaching that promotes open communication in the postgraduate environment and utilizing tactics such as simulation training can help address barriers to challenging authority.

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