Keeping Patients Safe: The Importance of Collaboration

Abstract

atients scheduled to undergo surgery often have many comorbidities and require more complex care. Increased patient acuity, in addition to disease processes that affect multiple organ systems, create a challenge for the health care team. To provide effective patient care, astute assessment skills are necessary to identify potential and actual problems. After a care provider identifies a problem, all members of the perioperative team must be notified so that solutions can be identified and implemented. When all members of the surgical team work together for the benefit of the patient, the potential for a successful surgical outcome increases.