Related Experiment Videos
Safety rounds as a tool to improve quality and safety in postoperative care units: A quasi-experimental study
J J López-Picazo Ferrer1, I Vidal-Abarca Gutiérrez2, P Doménech Asensi3
1Unidad de Calidad Asistencial, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
Introduction:
Safety rounds (SR) have become an effective strategy to enhance safety culture across various healthcare settings. Surgical critical care units (SCCUs) and postanesthesia care units (PACUs) are high-risk environments where active surveillance and early risk identification are essential to ensure safe care. This study aims to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of SR in SCCUs and PACUs, providing evidence of their impact on quality and patient safety improvement.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary-level Spanish hospital with multidisciplinary participation. A structured four-phase procedure was designed for SR implementation in SCCUs and PACUs. Twelve key safety indicators were assessed through direct observation and document review using lot quality assurance sampling.
Results:
Six SRs were conducted between 2022 and 2024. A progressive improvement in indicator compliance was observed, with non-compliance decreasing from 45% in the first round to 0% in the fourth. Indicators such as "Zero Pneumonia" and "Zero Resistance" showed recurrent difficulties, highlighting critical areas requiring targeted interventions.
Conclusions:
SRs are an effective and adaptable tool to improve safety in SCCUs and PACUs. Their success relies on a structured approach, visible leadership, and active staff engagement, establishing them as a sustainable strategy for continuous improvement.
