The introduction of a surgical safety checklist in a tertiary referral obstetric centre

Kearns, R.J., Uppal, V., Bonner, J. and Robertson, J. (2011) The introduction of a surgical safety checklist in a tertiary referral obstetric centre. BMJ Quality and Safety, 20(9), pp. 818-822. (doi: 10.1136/bmjqs.2010.050179)

Abstract

Background: Surgery-related adverse events remain a significant and often under-reported problem. In a recent study, the introduction of a perioperative checklist by the WHO reduced deaths and complications by 46% and 36% respectively. The authors wished to evaluate the introduction of a surgical safety checklist in a busy obstetric tertiary referral centre by assessing staff attitudes, checklist compliance and effects upon patients. Methods: A questionnaire-based assessment was performed on staff working in obstetric theatres before and after the introduction of the surgical safety checklist. Checklist compliance was assessed at 3 months and 1 year. Patients were asked questions relating to the performance of the surgical safety checklist in order to evaluate any anxiety caused. Results: Non-medical staff were significantly more likely than medical staff to feel familiar with other team members both before (p<0.001) and after (p

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kearns, Dr Rachel
• Authors: Kearns, R.J., Uppal, V., Bonner, J., and Robertson, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: BMJ Quality and Safety
• Journal Abbr.: BMJ Qual. Saf.
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2044-5415
• ISSN (Online): 2044-5423
• Published Online: 21 June 2011
• Copyright Holders: Copyright