Effective Implementation and Utilization of Checklists in Surgical Patient Safety

Abstract

The success of patient safety and quality improvement interventions depends, in part, on the effectiveness of implementation. Surgical safety checklists have been introduced into thousands of operating rooms across 6 continents since the debut of the original World Health Organization 19-item checklist in 2008. However, the effect of checklists on patient outcomes has varied. Here, we review 5 examples of large-scale efforts (eg, population level or across health systems) where surgical checklists were introduced into the operating room and the associated effects on patient outcomes. Each experience provides an opportunity to reflect on best practices that inform strategies for effective implementation.

Keywords: Implementation science; Patient safety; Surgical safety checklists.