Surgical Safety in Pediatrics: practical application of the Pediatric Surgical Safety Checklist

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• The preoperative period is critical for patient safety in pediatric surgery.
• Standardized tools like safety checklists can improve surgical care.
• Assessing the practical application and family perception of such tools is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the real-world use of the Pediatric Surgical Safety Checklist during the preoperative phase.
• To determine family satisfaction with the implementation of the checklist.
• To explore the checklist's impact on perceived child anxiety.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory study analyzed the use of the checklist in 60 children undergoing surgery.
• Data collection included demographic information, checklist completion rates, and family satisfaction surveys.
• Inferential and descriptive statistical analyses were employed.

Main Results:

• The checklist achieved 65.3% completion, with most incomplete items attributed to team non-adherence.
• Older children were more likely to have the 'removal of accessories' item checked (p = 0.008).
• Families reported high satisfaction (90%) and believed the checklist reduced child anxiety (83.3%).

Conclusions:

• Implementing the Pediatric Surgical Safety Checklist can positively transform healthcare services.
• The checklist contributes to a stronger safety culture within surgical settings.
• Its use leads to increased patient and family satisfaction.