Rationale, aims and objectives: The main component of error minimization in operating rooms (ORs) is to maintain high reliability of surgical teams. The analysis of adverse events in the OR reveals deficiencies in cognitive and interpersonal skills as the main factors influencing surgeons’ errors. Therefore, research of these additional factors is necessary, besides factors related to surgeons’ clinical knowledge and technical skills. In this paper, the key factors for evaluating activities in surgical operating rooms are identified. Method: Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is used for the identification of key factors. Fifteen key factors are identified for evaluating activities in surgical operating rooms to improve the efficiency of surgical operations. For each group of activities (surgical ’capabilities’, operating room characteristics, and non-technical skills), five factors are identified. Results: As the most important, the following factors are obtained: communication, indoor environment standardization, and tool handle design. Conclusions: The aim of the analysis of these key factors is surgeons’ work capability enhancement, rational design of operating rooms, and advancement of operators’ cognitive and interpersonal skills.