Operating theatre nurses’ experiences of feedback on intraoperatively acquired pressure injuries related to surgical positioning: A descriptive survey study

This study explored operating theatre nurses' experiences of receiving feedback on intraoperatively acquired positioning-related injuries and organisational factors influencing these processes. A descriptive cross-sectional web-based survey was completed by 57 Swedish operating theatre nurses using a study-specific questionnaire grounded in patient-safety frameworks. Most respondents had encountered positioning-related injuries, yet structured feedback was uncommon: over half received feedback only occasionally, and one-third never received any. When incidents were reported, feedback was often infrequent or absent. Although feedback was rated highly important for clinical practice, reporting, and positioning safety, responsibility for providing it was perceived as unclear. Barriers included limited interdepartmental collaboration, unclear routines, and time constraints, whereas facilitators included cross-unit collaboration, defined feedback responsibilities, and leadership support. Some nurses reported resorting to impermissible access to patient records to obtain outcome information. The findings indicate a need for systematic, leadership-supported feedback structures that strengthen organisational learning, ensure legal compliance, and enhance perioperative patient safety.