Train and discuss. It has been reported that some surgical
professionals view checklist implementation as the responsi-
bility of individual surgeons or nurses. That's why it's important to
involve the entire team, together, when you teach about the prop-
er use of checklists. Interdisciplinary training encourages the
development of mutual respect and collaboration that are
required for successful checklist use. It also lets team members
practice communicating with their colleagues and address their
concerns in an encouraging environment. Training should include
education on why the surgical safety checklist was originally
developed, evidence that supports its use and the specific benefits
it provides to patient safety. Simulate the checklist's use during
various clinical scenarios. Have staff discuss how the checklist
can be optimized during each drill and ask them to suggest sce-
narios based on their real-world experiences.
Customize the design. Make sure the checklist contents and
layout meet the specific needs of your facility. It should be
based on feedback from your surgical team and the types of pro-
cedures you host. Involving staff in the design of the checklist
increases the likelihood that they'll use the tool in a meaningful
way. Design the checklist based on your current safety protocols
instead of ideal practices, because aligning the tool with how your
staff actually works increases the likelihood that they'll use it
properly. To improve compliance, the checklist should be visible
to the entire surgical team, not read off a piece of paper by a sin-
gle staff member. Incorporating the checklist into electronic med-
ical records can prompt and guide the surgical team through the
process and reduce their reliance on rote memory.
Implement quality improvement. Documentation audits
may result in a false sense of security and accuracy of
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