- Job Gogo Otokwala1, Onyeanunam Ngozi Ekeke2
- DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15387259
- GAS Journal of Clinical Medicine and Medical Research (GASJCMMR)
Background: The World Health
Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist is a global tool designed to
enhance surgical safety through improved team communication and adherence to
critical protocols. Despite its widespread adoption, variations in
implementation persist, particularly in private healthcare settings.
Aim: This study examined the level of
adherence to the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in a private hospital in Port
Harcourt, with emphasis on its impact on communication, teamwork, and patient
safety.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional
design was employed. Data were collected over four years through a review of
completed surgical checklists and real-time intraoperative observations.
Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used for
analysis.
Results: Of the 86 healthcare personnel
surveyed, 88% were aware of the checklist, and 79% had comprehensive
understanding of its components. Adherence was highest in-patient identity
verification (98%) and anaesthesia safety checks (89%). Conversely, compliance
was lowest in surgical site marking (73%) and Sign Out verification (65%). The
majority acknowledged the checklist’s positive impact on communication (85%),
teamwork (84%), and reduction of surgical errors (79%). Nevertheless, only 55%
reported that adherence was consistently enforced.
Conclusion: The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is recognised as an effective tool for enhancing communication and patient safety during surgery. Nonetheless, inconsistent adherence to certain components remains a challenge. The study recommends targeted training, regular audits, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms to ensure full integration of the checklist into surgical practice.