Investigating the Role of Anesthesia Technicians in Promoting Safe Medication Practices and Preventing Medication Errors in the Operating Rooms of Hafr Al-Batin Hospitals: A Review

Abstract

Medication errors in the operating room remain a persistent patient safety concern worldwide, particularly within anesthetic practice where high-risk medications are prepared and administered under time-sensitive conditions. Anesthesia technicians play a pivotal yet underexplored role in supporting medication safety systems, particularly in resource-variable settings such as regional hospitals. This review investigates the role of anesthesia technicians in promoting safe medication practices and preventing medication errors in the operating rooms of Hafr Al-Batin hospitals, Saudi Arabia. A structured review methodology guided by PRISMA principles was employed to synthesize evidence from peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The findings indicate that medication safety in anesthesia is influenced by human factors, labeling systems, standardization protocols, teamwork dynamics, and technological supports such as barcode scanning and color-coded syringe labeling. Evidence suggests that anesthesia technicians contribute significantly to medication preparation accuracy, equipment readiness, standardization compliance, and cross-checking processes. However, formal role delineation, training variability, and absence of structured medication safety frameworks limit optimization of their contributions. Strengthening technician-specific competency frameworks, integrating them into medication safety audits, and implementing standardized protocols may enhance operating room safety culture. Further empirical research specific to regional healthcare contexts is warranted.