Wireless In-Ear Communication for Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Simulated Operating Room Evaluation

Abstract

BackgroundEffective surgical team communication is a key component of patient safety. However, communication failure is common and has previously been identified as one of the leading causes of error. Nonetheless, there has been a lack of innovation in this domain. Contemporary communication technology may hamper loud noises frequently encountered during total joint arthroplasty surgery to allow the surgical team to communicate safely and effectively. The objective of this study was to assess whether the use of in-ear communication devices during simulated arthroplasty surgery could improve communication compared to standard of loud voice communication. MethodsThis was a randomized simulation study designed to evaluate differences in communication. Participants were recruited to engage in simulations of total joint arthroplasty with in-ear wireless communication devices and traditional methods. Data collected included participant demographics, sound level exposure, and communication effectiveness using a created list of phrases commonly involved in arthroplasty surgery. A System Usability Scale questionnaire and survey comparing participant experiences was given. ResultsFifteen participants were recruited. The median age was 29 years (standard deviation 2.9) and 66% were women. There were significant differences in the percent of correctly identified phrases (78.6% vs 44%), mean effectiveness (7.9/10 vs 4.9/10) and mean clarity (8/10 vs 4/10) in favor for the wireless in-ear communication simulation (P < .001 for all). Out of the 10 questions in the System Usability Scale questionnaire, 4 exhibited significant differences, favoring the use of in-ear communication, while the others showed no difference. The mean level of sound recorded was 86 dB in the in-ear device and 87.6 dB in the control group (P = .680). ConclusionsWireless in-ear communication appears to be safe and effective during total joint arthroplasty surgery which may promote efficiency and patient safety. Further, in-ear communication systems can dampen the loud and potentially damaging noise in orthopaedic procedures and may protect surgeons exposed to loud noises.