Abstract:
ECRI detailed some of the lesser-known risks of electrosurgery in a collection of articles published in the August 2005 Health Devices. However, it's also important to recognize that even hazards that are well understood by clinical personnel can lead to injury if appropriate safety measures aren't applied consistently. In this follow-up to our August 2005 articles, we offer guidance to help healthcare facilities conduct a safety audit that examines critical aspects of the facility's use of electrosurgical technology. ECRI recommends that healthcare facilities periodically conduct such an audit to ensure that the appropriate equipment and procedures are in place to protect patients and staff from injury. This article reviews some of the key questions to ask during a safety audit, and it includes detailed guidance for developing an electrosurgical safety checklist.
