Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
08:34
The Measurement and Treatment of Suppression in Amblyopia
Published on: December 14, 2012
50.4K
Strabismus surgical time-out: an illustrated whiteboard modification
Madhuri Chilakapati1, Natasha N Loudin1, Kimberly G Yen1
1Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Summary
Implementing a strabismus surgery whiteboard improved operating room team communication and understanding of surgical plans. This visual aid has the potential to reduce errors in strabismus procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Safety
- Medical Education
Background:
- Strabismus surgery errors can arise from miscommunication among surgical teams.
- Potential errors include operating on the wrong eye, muscle, or performing the incorrect procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a strabismus-specific whiteboard improves team communication.
- To assess if using non-ophthalmological terms aids pre-operative understanding.
Main Methods:
- A strabismus surgery whiteboard with eye and muscle diagrams was designed.
- The whiteboard was used during pre-operative time-outs.
- Staff surveys assessed understanding before and after whiteboard implementation.
Main Results:
- Staff understanding of procedure laterality increased from 74% to 93%.
- Understanding of the specific muscle(s) and procedure improved significantly.
- Surgeons reported increased confidence in staff comprehension.
Conclusions:
- A standardized time-out with an illustrated whiteboard enhances communication.
- This approach has the potential to decrease surgical errors in strabismus operations.
