Abstract
Introduction: WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) was introduced to address the well-recognized global problem of lack of surgical safety. Although proper implementation of SSC reduces common adverse events occurring during surgical procedures, the practical implementation in some cases has been found to be less than optimal. Objective: To assess the user related factors in the implementation of the SSC at District General Hospital (DGH), Matara . Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at DGH, Matara using a self-administered questionnaire among 76 doctors and 116 nurses who worked in operating theatres of DGH, Matara. A questionnaire based on the SSC and its implementation was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of doctors and nurses. Results: On the average, the seniority and experience in working in the operating theatres of DGH, Matara had a significant association with the awareness of the SSC. Nurses were more familiar about the SSC compared to doctors. Even when the user of the checklist had good knowledge, favorable attitudes and interest for proper implementation of the SSC, only a minority (8.7%) was trained in SSC. Discussion: The complexity, uncertainty of the definition of the responsibility and frequent unavailability of checklists were the main perceived barriers. It is recommended to simplify and reformat the checklist to make more user friendly and designating a checklist coordinator, training and monitoring implementation for better compliance.
Highlights
WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) was introduced to address the well-recognized global problem of lack of surgical safety
One third of Doctors who worked in the operating theatres at District General Hospital (DGH) Matara were anesthetists and one third of the nurses worked in the General Surgery Theatre (OT B)
Majority of doctors and nurses were unaware about the General circular 01-185/2013 issued by the Secretary of Health on implementation of the surgical safety checklist which was as high as 75.5% (n=52) in doctors and 62.9% (n=66) in nurses
Summary
WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) was introduced to address the well-recognized global problem of lack of surgical safety. Patient safety has received much attention globally in recent years due to increasing incidence of adverse events during healthcare delivery. According to World Health Organization statistics, a number of 234 million major surgeries are done each year around the world. This corresponds to one out of 25 people undergoing surgical intervention every year.[1]. A global initiative to promote safer surgery could save millions of lives worldwide.[4]
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