The surgical safety checklist (SSCL) is considered “performed” when the designated checklist coordinator confirms that surgical team members have implemented and/or addressed all of the necessary tasks and items in each of the three phases: Briefing; Time Out; and Debriefing.
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The SSCL compliance indicator is a process measure, measuring the degree to which all three phases of the SSCL was performed correctly and appropriately for each surgical patient.
Patient safety remains the most important priority for Niagara Health and this involves ensuring a safe experience for patients who undergo surgery here. Our patients can expect safe, high quality care, and one tool used to help ensure a positive patient care experience is a surgical safety checklist.
Percentage of surgeries in which a surgical safety checklist was performed
Notes:
*Surgical Safety Checklist is considered performed when the designated checklist coordinator confirms that surgical team members have implemented and/or addressed all of the necessary tasks and items in each of the three phases, “briefing”, “time out”, and “debriefing”, of the checklist.
What is a surgical safety checklist?
A surgical safety checklist is a patient safety communication tool that is used by a team of operating room professionals (nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and others) to discuss important details about each surgical case. In many ways, the surgical checklist is similar to an airline pilot’s checklist used just before take-off. It is a final check prior to surgery used to make sure everyone knows the important medical information they need to know about the patient, all equipment is available and in working order, and everyone is ready to proceed.
What information is included in a surgical safety checklist?
Some examples of items contained in the checklist:
The Briefing Phase:
- Verify with patient name and procedure to be done
- Allergy Check
- Medications Check
- Operation site, side and procedure
- Lab tests, xrays
The “Time Out” Phase:
- Patient position
- Operation site, side and procedure
- Antibiotics check
The Debriefing Phase:
- Surgeon reviews important items
- Anesthesiologist reviews important items
- Nurse reviews correct counts
Will a surgical safety checklist be used on me?
If you undergo a surgery at Niagara Health, you can expect that the surgical safety checklist will be used as part of the procedure. It will be used by your healthcare team before, during and after your surgery to help the team familiarize themselves with your medical history and any special requirements that may be needed for your individual case.
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