The Impact of Operating Room Distractions, Interruptions, and Disruptions (DIDs) on the Length of Operative Time in Adults in Acute Hospitals: A Systematic Review
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.64573/torgj2601005
Authors: Adebusola Adenike Owokole1,2,3*
| 1The Operating Room Global (TORG). 2UL Hospitals Group, HSE Mid-West, Ireland. 3University of Limerick, Ireland. |
Cite:
- APA (7th edition): Owokole, A. A. (2026, February 8). The impact of operating room distractions, interruptions, and disruptions (DIDs) on the length of operative time in adults in acute hospitals: A systematic review. The Operating Room Global Journal (TORGJ), 2(1). https://doi.org/10.64573/torgj2601005
- Harvard: Owokole, A.A., 2026. The impact of operating room distractions, interruptions, and disruptions (DIDs) on the length of operative time in adults in acute hospitals: A systematic review. The Operating Room Global Journal (TORGJ), 2(1). Published 8 February. Available at: https://doi.org/10.64573/torgj2601005
- Vancouver: Owokole AA. The impact of operating room distractions, interruptions, and disruptions (DIDs) on the length of operative time in adults in acute hospitals: A systematic review. The Operating Room Global Journal (TORGJ). 2026 Feb 8;2(1). https://doi.org/10.64573/torgj2601005
- MLA (9th edition): Owokole, Adebusola Adenike. “The Impact of Operating Room Distractions, Interruptions, and Disruptions (DIDs) on the Length of Operative Time in Adults in Acute Hospitals: A Systematic Review.” The Operating Room Global Journal (TORGJ), vol. 2, no. 1, 8 Feb. 2026, https://doi.org/10.64573/torgj2601005
- Chicago (Author-Date): Owokole, Adebusola Adenike. 2026. “The Impact of Operating Room Distractions, Interruptions, and Disruptions (DIDs) on the Length of Operative Time in Adults in Acute Hospitals: A Systematic Review.” The Operating Room Global Journal (TORGJ) 2 (1), February 8. https://doi.org/10.64573/torgj2601005
*Corresponding Author:
Adebusola Adenike Owokole
[email protected]
Declaration:
Author’s Contribution:
The author conceived, wrote, revised, and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict of Interest:
No conflict of interest.
Funding:
No funding received by the author.
| Article History: |
| Received: 30-01-2026 Accepted: 02-02-2026 |
| Available Online: 08-02-2026 |
| QR Code Access to this Article |
| ABSTRACT |
| Background: Distractions and interruptions in the operating room (OR) are increasingly recognised as significant threats to patient safety, team performance, and surgical efficiency. While some interruptions are clinically necessary, many are avoidable and contribute to cognitive overload, communication failures, and procedural errors. Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesise current evidence on the nature, sources, and impacts of distractions and interruptions in the OR, and to identify effective mitigation strategies within surgical systems. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025 were identified from major biomedical databases. Studies examining intraoperative distractions, interruptions, environmental noise, workflow disruptions, and associated outcomes were included. Data were synthesised using a qualitative thematic analysis approach, as heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures precluded quantitative meta-analysis. Results: Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Distractions were commonly categorised as communication-related, equipment- or technology-driven, environmental, and workflow-related. Evidence consistently demonstrated associations between frequent interruptions and increased operative time, higher error rates, elevated cognitive workload, and reduced team communication quality. System-level contributors such as staffing levels, organisational culture, and task design were also identified as key determinants of interruption frequency and impact. Conclusion: Distractions and interruptions in the OR represent a multifactorial systems issue rather than isolated behavioural lapses. Addressing them requires integrated interventions encompassing workforce planning, human factors training, environmental optimisation, and leadership-driven safety culture. Future research should prioritise standardised measurement tools and intervention-based studies to inform sustainable improvements in surgical safety. Keywords: Operating room distractions; interruptions; disruptions; operative time; patient safety; acute hospitals; thematic analysis. |
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