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Importance of side marking in ophthalmic surgery
M M White1, M Gupta, S A K Utman
1Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh.
Summary
Many Scottish ophthalmic surgeons are not consistently marking surgical sides, increasing the risk of wrong-side surgery. A risk-stratified approach may improve compliance and patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Patient Safety
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) recommended side marking in 2003 to prevent surgical errors.
- This study investigates the implementation of these guidelines in Scottish ophthalmic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current adherence to side-marking guidelines by ophthalmic surgeons in Scotland.
- To identify reasons for non-compliance with 'best practice' for preventing wrong-side surgery.
- To understand surgeons' attitudes towards side-marking procedures.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ophthalmic surgeons across Scotland.
- Interviews were conducted either face-to-face or via telephone.
- The interviews focused on current practices and attitudes regarding the prevention of wrong-side surgery.
Main Results:
- 48% of surveyed ophthalmic surgeons reported non-compliance with side-marking protocols.
- Incomplete implementation was attributed to various factors, most commonly bypassing multi-step safety checks.
- Bypassing established checks increases the likelihood of surgical errors.
Conclusions:
- Ophthalmic surgeons in Scotland are not consistently implementing side-marking guidelines in full.
- A risk-stratified approach to side marking, considering individual patient factors, is proposed.
- This approach aims to enhance compliance and patient safety without compromising care.