Ensure availability of required implants and special equipment
10
Approval: Surgical Planning
11
Start the surgical procedure
12
Ensure completion of instrument, sponge and needle counts
13
Confirm the name of the surgical procedure performed
14
Discuss with team members the key concerns for recovery and post-operative management
15
Ensure all specimens are correctly labelled
16
Ensure all equipment functioned properly
17
Approval: Equipment Functioning
18
Complete the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
19
Approval: Completion of the Checklist
Verify patient's identity
Confirm the patient's identity to ensure the right person is undergoing the surgical procedure. This task plays a crucial role in preventing errors and ensuring patient safety. The desired result is to correctly identify the patient before proceeding with the surgery. How can you verify the patient's identity? What challenges might arise and how can they be resolved? What resources or tools are needed for this task?
1
ID Card
2
Date of Birth
3
Medical Record Number
4
Photo Identification
5
Other
Mark the surgical site
Ensure that the correct surgical site is marked prior to the procedure. This task is essential for preventing errors and performing surgeries on the correct area. The desired result is to accurately mark the surgical site. What techniques or methods can be used to mark the surgical site? Are there any challenges in this task? Are there any specific tools or resources required?
1
Sterile ink
2
Permanent marker
3
Skin marker pen
4
Tattooing
5
Other
Take Time Out to confirm surgical procedure
Pause before starting the surgery to confirm the correct surgical procedure. This task serves as a final check to prevent operating on the wrong patient or performing the wrong procedure. The desired result is to ensure the surgical procedure is accurate. How can you take time out to confirm the surgical procedure? What challenges might arise during this task and how can they be addressed? Are there any specific resources or tools needed?
1
Verbal confirmation by the team
2
Review of consent form
3
Review of surgery schedule
4
Crosscheck with patient or family member
5
Other
Confirm all team members have introduced themselves by name and role
Ensure that all team members have introduced themselves by name and their respective roles. This task promotes effective communication, collaboration, and accountability within the surgical team. The desired result is for everyone to know each other's names and roles. How can you confirm the introduction of team members? What challenges might arise and how can they be resolved? Are there any specific resources or tools required?
1
Surgeon
2
Anesthesiologist
3
Nurse
4
Surgical Assistant
5
Other
Confirm the patient's allergies
Ensure a safe surgical environment by confirming the patient's allergies beforehand. Allergic reactions can have serious implications during surgery and recovery. Review the patient's medical records, ask the patient directly, and consult the anesthesia team for any known allergies. Document the confirmed allergies to inform the surgical team and take necessary precautions to avoid exposure to allergens.
Confirm anticipated critical events
Identify and discuss any anticipated critical events that may occur during the surgery. Anticipating and preparing for potential complications or critical moments allows the surgical team to respond effectively and minimize harm. Review the patient's medical history, the planned procedure, and consult with the surgeon and anesthesia team to identify possible critical events. Document these events to ensure everyone's awareness and readiness in managing them.
Ensure the completion of the anesthesia safety check before starting the surgical procedure. The anesthesia safety check helps identify potential risks and ensures that the patient is safely prepared for anesthesia. Verify with the anesthesia team that all necessary checks and preparations have been performed. If the check is incomplete or there are concerns, address them with the anesthesia team and postpone the surgery if necessary.
1
Yes
2
No
Ensure sterilization of surgical instruments
Guarantee the sterility of all surgical instruments to maintain a clean and infection-free surgical environment. Properly sterilized instruments reduce the risk of surgical site infections and promote patient safety. Verify that all instruments have undergone the appropriate sterilization process as per hospital guidelines. Check the sterilization indicators and packaging integrity, and consult the sterile processing department if there are any doubts or concerns.
1
Forceps
2
Scalpel
3
Surgical scissors
4
Retractors
5
Sutures
Ensure availability of required implants and special equipment
Confirm the availability of all required implants and specialized equipment that are essential for the surgical procedure. Adequate availability of these resources is crucial for the smooth conduct of the surgery and prevents last-minute delays or complications. Coordinate with the implant department and equipment providers to ensure their timely delivery. Document the confirmation of availability to keep everyone informed.
1
Artificial joints
2
Screws and plates
3
Pacemaker
4
Endoscope
5
Laparoscopic tools
Approval: Surgical Planning
Will be submitted for approval:
Mark the surgical site
Will be submitted
Confirm all team members have introduced themselves by name and role
Ensure availability of required implants and special equipment
Will be submitted
Start the surgical procedure
Initiate the surgical procedure following the approved plan and safety checks. This task marks the beginning of the surgical intervention and requires the collaboration of the entire surgical team. Ensure all team members are ready, that the patient is appropriately positioned, and anesthesia has been administered. Follow the surgeon's instructions and proceed with caution while adhering to sterile techniques and maintaining patient safety.
1
Patient correctly positioned
2
Anesthesia administered
3
Surgeon ready to start
4
Scrub team prepared
5
Surgical instruments checked
Ensure completion of instrument, sponge and needle counts
Perform a comprehensive count of all instruments, sponges, and needles used during the surgical procedure. Accurate counts help prevent retention of foreign objects within the patient's body, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient safety. Involve the entire surgical team in the counting process and document the results meticulously. Notify the surgeon immediately in case of any discrepancies or missing items.
1
Instruments
2
Sponges
3
Needles
4
Sharps containers
5
Closed suction drains
Confirm the name of the surgical procedure performed
Verify and document the name of the surgical procedure performed to ensure accurate record-keeping and billing. This task helps maintain the integrity of medical records and supports effective communication among healthcare professionals. Confirm the surgical procedure with the surgeon and cross-reference it with relevant documents or preoperative notes. Document any changes or discrepancies for future reference and follow-up actions if necessary.
Discuss with team members the key concerns for recovery and post-operative management
Engage in a discussion with the surgical team members to address key concerns related to the patient's recovery and post-operative management. Openly sharing concerns and insights can improve patient care and enhance the effectiveness of the care plan. Encourage team members to express any observations, complications, or recommendations regarding the patient's post-operative journey. Document the key concerns discussed for future reference and follow-up actions.
Ensure all specimens are correctly labelled
Properly label all surgical specimens to facilitate accurate diagnosis and prevent any mix-ups or confusion. Accurate labeling plays a crucial role in patient management and enables the correct interpretation of test results. Confirm that each specimen is labeled with the patient's identification details, date, and location of extraction. Additionally, ensure that appropriate documentation accompanies each specimen to maintain a clear chain of custody.
1
Biopsy
2
Tissue samples
3
Fluid samples
4
Cultures
5
Imaging
Ensure all equipment functioned properly
Verify that all equipment used during the surgical procedure functioned properly to ensure reliable and uninterrupted support for the surgical team. Malfunctioning equipment can potentially compromise patient safety and increase the risk of complications. Check the functionality of essential equipment, such as monitors, anesthesia machines, surgical instruments, and electrosurgical devices. Address any issues promptly, involving the appropriate personnel or technical support.
1
Anesthesia machine
2
Electrosurgical generator
3
Surgical microscope
4
Surgical lights
5
Monitoring devices
Approval: Equipment Functioning
Will be submitted for approval:
Start the surgical procedure
Will be submitted
Ensure completion of instrument, sponge and needle counts
Will be submitted
Confirm the name of the surgical procedure performed
Will be submitted
Discuss with team members the key concerns for recovery and post-operative management
Will be submitted
Ensure all specimens are correctly labelled
Will be submitted
Complete the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Ensure the completion of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist before concluding the surgical procedure. The checklist is a valuable tool designed to enhance patient safety by prompting critical safety measures and verification steps. Review each item of the checklist, confirm its completion, and document any additional notes or observations. By completing this checklist, you contribute to a safer surgical environment and improved patient outcomes.
