Knowledge, usefulness and use of checklists in surgical areas in a private hospital, running title: usefulness of checklists in surgical areas

Abstract

Background: Errors in medicine have serious consequences, for this reason efficient prevention strategies such as checklists are necessary. Despite its benefits, sometimes surgical staff ignores importance of checklists or is reluctant to apply them. The objective was to investigate the knowledge surgical personnel has about the impact and correct implementation of this protocol. Methodology: Prospective, observational, descriptive study. Surveys were carried out to the surgical personnel of Hospital Angeles Lomas evaluating their knowledge about the checklists. The Microsoft Excel® v .12.3.6 and SPSS v.21 programs were used for data collection and analysis. Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation were used looking for significance and correlation between application of the protocol, communication of the team, impact on morbidity and mortality and the attitude of surveyed people about checklists. We investigate also the most frequent omissions when applying the protocol. Results: Of 75 surveys, 69 were suitable to analysis, more than half of the people knew the protocol and recognized its impact; surgeons and nurses recognized their practicability. 46.3% didn´t know the phases and the correct time to carry out the protocol. The most perceived omissions were: surgical marking, equipment presentation and verification of prevention of deep venous thrombosis. Conclusions: Checklists are a simple and economical tool to improve security, morbidity and mortality rates in surgical patients. However, there are still barriers to its correct use and implementation. Staff understanding and training is required to acquire this routine in daily practice and implement it correctly.