Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

A pilot study of the implementation of WHO Surgical Checklist in Finland: improvements in activities and communication




List of AuthorsTakala RS, Pauniaho S-L, Kotkansalo A, Helmiö P, Blomgren K, Helminen M, Kinnunen M, Takala A, Aaltonen R, Katila AJ, Peltomaa K, Ikonen TS

PublisherWILEY-BLACKWELL

Publication year2011

JournalActa Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica

Journal name in sourceACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA

Journal acronymACTA ANAESTH SCAND

Volume number55

Issue number10

Start page1206

End page1214

Number of pages9

ISSN0001-5172

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-6576.2011.02525.x


Abstract
Background

W orld H ealth O rganisation (WHO ) has introduced a surgical safety checklist that has reduced post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Prior to national checklist implementation, we assessed its possible impact on the operating room (OR ) process, safety‐related issues and communication among surgical staff in a high‐income country.

Methods

In four university and teaching hospitals, a structured questionnaire was delivered to OR personnel involved in consecutive operations over 4–6 weeks before and after the checklist implementation. The questionnaire resembled the WHO checklist and comprised multiple‐choice questions relating to performance of safety checks and communication. Anaesthesiologists (A ), surgeons (S ) and circulating nurses (CN ) answered the questions independently. The WHO checklist was modified for national needs.

Results

Questionnaires were returned from 1748 operations, 901 before and 847 after the checklist. Patient's identity was more often confirmed (A : 62.7% vs. 84.0%, S : 71.6% vs. 85.5%, CN : 81.6% vs. 94.2%,  < 0.001) and knowledge of names and roles among team members (A : 65.7% vs. 81.8%, S : 71.1% vs. 83.6%, CN : 87.7% vs. 93.2%,  < 0.01) improved with the checklist. Anaesthesiologists and surgeons discussed critical events pre‐operatively (A : 22.0% vs. 42.6%, S : 34.7% vs. 46.2%,  < 0.001) more frequently after the checklist. In addition, fewer communication failures (43 vs. 17,  < 0.05) were reported with checklist.

Conclusions

The checklist increased OR teams’ awareness of patient‐related issues, the procedure and expected risks. It also enhanced team communication and prevented communication failures. Our findings support use of the WHO checklist in various surgical fields.


Last updated on 2021-24-06 at 11:29