Improving Patient Safety Using Checklists

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Every surgeon is aware of the “time out” surgical safety checklist used in nearly every hospital in the country. We are suggesting that perhaps it is time to use these same checklists in the office for invasive office procedures. Examples would be flexible sigmoidoscopy, biopsy, and removal of skin lesions, vasectomies, prostate biopsies, etc. A checklist (sample shown above) is created that confirms that the consent is signed, the patient completed the proper pre-procedure preparations, the appropriate medications have been given prior to the procedure, all of the equipment necessary to do the procedure is in the room or readily available, and all appropriate tests have been reviewed prior to the procedure. The checklist is reviewed by the nurse and then signed by the doctor, confirming that the patient is truly ready for the procedure. Although the risk of complications is very small, we can significantly reduce the complication rate further by using a checklist. It adds minimal effort on the part of our staff but provides maximal safety and security for patients and doctors.