Experts Examine the Impact of a Global Surgical Safety Checklist

Article

A new British Journal of Surgery article examines the past decade since the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Study Group at the World Health Organization introduced a surgical safety checklist. The 19-item checklist was designed to improve team communication and consistency of care, with the goal of reducing complications and deaths associated with surgery.

The article notes that numerous studies have evaluated both the impact of the checklist and challenges in its implementation. In the 10 years since the launch of the checklist, surgical teamwork and communication have improved, as have outcomes for patients. It is important that the checklist is used effectively as part of safe surgical systems, not as a simple tick box exercise to be completed by rote.

"Use of a surgical checklist has moved from a good idea to standard of care, yet this seemingly simple safety tool is remarkably difficult to implement. This is particularly true in settings with poor resources and weak management systems; however, those hospitals are the ones that could potentially benefit the most," said co-author Dr. Thomas Weiser, of the University of Edinburgh, in the UK. "Many people are working to promote its appropriate adoption and use worldwide."

Source: Wiley

Newsletter

Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.

Recent Videos
 Futuristic UV Sanitizer with Sleek Design on a white background.  (Adobe Stock 1375983522 by Napa)
Set of bright yellow sharps containers with biohazard labels and red lids used in clinics and hospitals for safe disposal of medical needles and waste.  (Adobe Stock 1521632893 by Maksim)
Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR (Photo courtesy of Amanda Heitman)