When optimising the operating theatre compromises anaesthetic safety: ambient lighting, human performance, and medication error risk

The authors investigate how the use of blue- or green-dominant ambient lighting in hybrid operating theatres, while beneficial for surgical visibility, may compromise anaesthetic safety by impairing colour discrimination and recognition of medication labels. They highlight the need for mitigation strategies and a systematic re-evaluation of theatre design to ensure that innovations do not negatively impact the safety of the perioperative team.