Recent research published in the BMJ Quality and Safety reveals several challenges to completion of surgical checklists.
For their study, researchers assessed compliance and completion rates of a surgical checklist at 18 cancer centers in France. They also interviewed and surveyed staff members at each of the facilities. Their assessment showed a mean compliance rate of 90.2 percent and a mean completion rate of 61 percent.
The authors also determined these barriers to proper compliance and completion of surgical checklists:
• Duplication of items within existing checklists
• Poor communication between surgeon and anesthetist
• Time spent completing the checklist for no perceived benefit
• Lack of understanding and timing of item checks
• Ambiguity
• Unaccounted risks
• Time-honored hierarchy
For their study, researchers assessed compliance and completion rates of a surgical checklist at 18 cancer centers in France. They also interviewed and surveyed staff members at each of the facilities. Their assessment showed a mean compliance rate of 90.2 percent and a mean completion rate of 61 percent.
The authors also determined these barriers to proper compliance and completion of surgical checklists:
• Duplication of items within existing checklists
• Poor communication between surgeon and anesthetist
• Time spent completing the checklist for no perceived benefit
• Lack of understanding and timing of item checks
• Ambiguity
• Unaccounted risks
• Time-honored hierarchy
Related Articles on Surgical Checklists:
Degree of Compliance to Surgical Checklists Can Affect Outcomes
Surgical Checklist Reduced Whipple Procedure Infections by 50%
Connecticut's St. Francis Hospital Improves Safety Through Checklist Training