A Human Factors Approach to Vaginal Retained Foreign Objects

This study aimed to apply a structured human factors analysis to understand conditions contributing to vaginal retained foreign objects (RFOs).

All potential vaginal RFO events from January 1, 2000, to May 21, 2019, were analyzed by trained human factors researchers. Each narrative was reviewed to identify contributing factors, classified using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System for Healthcare.

An 890-bed, academic medical center in Southern California.

Patients who underwent a vaginal procedure in which a vaginal RFO-related event occurred were included in this study. However, no patient information was included, and only the relevant details from their procedures were included.

No interventions were developed or implemented.

Over the 19-year period, 45 events were reported. The most common items were vaginal packing and vaginal sponges (53.33%). Less frequently retained items involved broken instruments (20.20%). Most cases were laparoscopic hysterectomies or vaginal deliveries. Based on the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System, 75 contributing factors were identified, consisting primarily of preconditions for unsafe acts (communication challenges, coordination breakdowns and issues with the design of tools/technology) and unsafe acts (errors).

Although rare, vaginal RFOs do occur. The top 2 contributing factors were skill-based errors and communication breakdowns. Both types of errors can be addressed and improved with human factors interventions, including simulation, teamwork training, and streamlining workflow to reduce the opportunity for errors.