Evaluation of Fire Risks to Improve Safety in the Operating Room

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Lisa Rodovich (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Background: Patient safety is the cornerstone of high-quality health care , and has become an increasingly important public concern. Surgical fires are a preventable , never event. As with other low incidence but high impact events , solutions to prevent this complication are known and published. However , preventive measures have yet to diffuse sufficiently across professional boundaries. The challenges to preventing fires relate to educating all of the members of the surgical team , and overcoming barriers to intraoperative communication. Methodology: Through an educational program , the surgical services staff at the selected facility were made aware of the importance of acknowledging fire safety through the implementation of a fire risk assessment with every procedure. Use of the fire safety checklist was monitored for compliance. Findings: Results showed a 95% compliance rate with checklist completion , and 90% effective communication of the fire risk score to members of the surgical team. Feedback was positive throughout , including making the process concise , quick , and easy to complete , as well as improving communication among team members.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Rodovich , Lisa (July 2018). Evaluation of Fire Risks to Improve Safety in the Operating Room (DNP Scholarly Project , East Carolina University). Retrieved from the ScholarShip.

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

Patient safety, surgical fires, surgical safety checklists, preventing OR fires, fire safety, fire risk assessment checklist

Subjects

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