News Item – Hospital ‘black boxes’ begin providing data that will help reduce distractions, errors in operating room

Inspired by aviation disasters, a Canadian research team is pulling back the curtain on a secretive high-risk environment by putting “black boxes” in operating rooms.

The “OR Black Box,” which has been installed in about a dozen hospitals throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe, is producing data that its lead developer says could make surgeries safer.

The walls of Dr. Teodor Grantcharov’s operating room at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto are equipped with cameras and microphones, monitoring every move made and every word uttered.

“Distraction leads to poor performance and errors. Errors lead to adverse events that could impact patient safety,” he told CTV News, noting complications like bleeding and tissue injuries.

Full article at: CTV News