Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Implementing a pediatric surgical safety checklist in the OR and beyond
Elizabeth K Norton1, Shawn J Rangel
1Children's Hospital Boston,Massachusetts, USA.
Insights
Implementing the Pediatric Surgical Safety Checklist improved teamwork and communication in pediatric surgical patients. This modified checklist enhances patient safety by promoting shared responsibility during critical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Patient Safety
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist reduces complications in adult patients.
- Existing checklists require adaptation for pediatric surgical populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify and pilot test the Surgical Safety Checklist for pediatric use.
- To enhance teamwork, communication, and adherence to safety protocols in pediatric operating rooms.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist for pediatric patients.
- Pilot testing of the Pediatric Surgical Safety Checklist with a large, visible poster format.
- Implementation in operating rooms and other procedural areas.
Main Results:
- Improved teamwork and communication among surgical teams.
- Enhanced adherence to process measures and safety protocols.
- Positive feedback from team members regarding checklist usability and content.
Conclusions:
- The Pediatric Surgical Safety Checklist is effective in improving safety measures in pediatric surgery.
- Visible checklist formats promote shared responsibility and team engagement.
- The modified checklist demonstrates successful implementation and user satisfaction.
Abstract:
An international study about implementation of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist showed that use of the checklist reduced complication and death rates in adult surgical patients. Clinicians at Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts, modified the Surgical Safety Checklist for pediatric populations. We pilot tested the Pediatric Surgical Safety Checklist and created a large checklist poster for each OR to allow the entire surgical team to view the checklist simultaneously and to promote shared responsibility for conducting the time out. Results of the pilot test showed improvements in teamwork, communication, and adherence to process measures. Parallel efforts were made in other areas of the hospital where invasive procedures are performed. Compliance with the checklist at our facility has been good, and team members have expressed satisfaction with the flow and content of the checklist.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:18Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security:
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...