Surgical safety checklists are an essential tool for ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Surgical Safety Checklist is a communication tool that uses a team of operating room professionals to discuss important details about each surgical case. Studies have shown that the use of surgical checklists can lead to improved clinical outcomes, fewer surgical site infections, and fewer surgical complications. The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is designed to be used in a variety of settings, including all surgical specialties, academic and community hospitals, and industrialized and developing countries.
The checklist includes items such as confirming the patient's identity, confirming the procedure to be performed, and confirming the site of the procedure. It also includes a logoff checklist to be used after the surgery is complete to ensure that all medical record documentation is complete and any potential improvements are addressed. The use of surgical checklists has been associated with increased detection of potential safety hazards, decreased surgical complications, and better communication among ward staff. Studies have also shown that the introduction of the checklist is significantly associated with fewer surgical site infections and surgical complications.
The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is an effective tool for improving patient safety during surgery. It is important for healthcare providers to ensure that all members of the operating room team are familiar with the checklist and its contents in order to maximize its effectiveness. Additionally, healthcare providers should ensure that all elements of the checklist are followed in order to ensure patient safety.
When performing the checklist, make sure you are wearing the industry standard dosimeter badge in the surgical suite. Radiationsafety.com offers XBG OSL dosimeters for all medical disciplines.
