A terrific article has been published in the New York Times advising of simple procedures that surgical teams should complete to lower the risk of complications and death during surgery. For example, requiring the team to confirm enough blood is ready should the need arise could prevent harm. Making certain team members introduce themselves and explain their role in the operation gives junior-level team members the confidence to speak up later should the need arise.
As explained in the article:
The researchers reviewed the outcome of 7,688 patients who were undergoing noncardiac surgery at the hospitals. About half the patients had surgery before the checklists were adopted, and half after. At the end of the study, the average death rate dropped to 0.8 percent from 1.5 percent, and the average complication rate fell to 7 percent from 11 percent.
The article is based on an online study published in the New England Jounral of Medicine.
