This article outlines essential Operating Room (OR) etiquette, focusing on the “whats” and “whys” of non-technical surgical skills, their importance for surgical safety, global efforts to improve OR safety, and key strategies to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs). It is particularly useful for trainees at the beginning of their surgical careers who are learning how to conduct themselves in the OR environment. The OR is a unique and highly structured workplace, and understanding its systems is a fundamental part of surgical training.
“Non-technical skills” refers to everything a surgeon does in the OR other than the technical maneuvers of the procedure itself. This includes knowing the patients on the list, understanding the planned procedures, and becoming familiar with the OR team. Surgical safety checklists are central to this culture, and all OR personnel must understand their…
