Abstract
Introduction
Overlapping surgery (OS) occurs when a single surgeon is concurrently caring for patients
in multiple operating rooms (OR) but is present for all critical portions of each
surgery. Although this is common practice, most studies have found public disapproval
of OS. This study aims to better understand attitudes toward OS of patients who gave
informed consent for OS.
Methods
Participant interviews covered topics including trust, OR personnel roles, and attitudes
toward OS. Four representative transcripts were distributed among researchers for
independent code identification. These were aggregated into a codebook, applied by
two coders. Iterative and emergent thematic analyses were done.
Results
Twelve participants were interviewed to reach thematic saturation. Three themes shaped
how participants felt about OS: trust in their surgeon, worries about OS, and understanding
of OR personnel roles. Factors contributing to trust included personal research and
the surgeon's experience. Frequently cited concerns were unpredictability of complications
during operations and the surgeon's divided attention. Two participants inaccurately
understood personnel roles, believing the surgeon did most or all the hands-on work
while trainees were observers. Most participants felt a high or neutral level of comfort
toward OS and indicated trust as the reason.
Conclusions
In contrast to prior research, this study found that most participants had a neutral
or positive view of OS. This suggests that a trusting relationship with their surgeon
and informed consent are important factors in increasing comfort for OS. Participants
who misunderstood OR roles felt less comfortable toward OS. This highlights an opportunity
for patient education on trainee roles.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 15, 2023
Accepted:
October 16,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 11,
2022
Received:
March 21,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
