Plus-Hex CLINICAL

DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.56496 / CZDP8081

Theona Aristidou , NCert ( Anaesth ), RVN , PcET

Coleg Gwent , Usk

ENVELOPE theona . aristidou @ coleggwent . ac . uk

Theona is a full-time veterinary nursing lecturer at Coleg Gwent . Prior to this , she worked as a referral RVN specialising in anaesthesia . In 2021 , Theona obtained her anaesthesia certificate with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies ( ISVPS ). In her spare time she enjoys walking her dog , Wilfred .

ABSTRACT A standardised approach to perioperative checks ensures that all elements of a surgical procedure are considered . Surgical safety checklists ( SSCs ) increase patient safety by helping to improve communication between team members and decrease some of the risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia .

SSCs are clear , concise and easy to use , and help avoid confusion around practice protocols . However , their implementation requires team collaboration and willingness to learn . This article highlights the importance of SSCs and why they should form part of practice protocols .

Keywords surgical safety , anaesthesia , surgery , preparation , checklist , communication , teamwork

Introduction

As the anaesthesiologist Dr Robert M . Smith famously said in 1959 : “ There are no safe anesthetic agents , there are no safe anesthetic procedures . There are only safe anesthetists .” [ 1 ] Therefore , it is essential to incorporate methods to help anaesthetic teams maximise patient safety .

Surgical safety checklists ( SSCs ) are essential yet inexpensive tools that decrease the risk of anaestheticrelated morbidity and mortality . These checklists are commonly used in human medicine , where their use has been found to improve teamwork and communication during the anaesthetic period .

This article highlights the important role of SSCs in patient safety and why – and how – they should be embedded into veterinary practice protocols .

Volume 39 ( 5 ) • October 2024

51