Implementation and assessment of the knowledge and attitudes towards the WHO surgical safety checklist amongst theatre personnel of the University College Hospital, Ibadan: a two year review

Abstract

Background: - the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (WHO-SSC) can decrease morbidity and mortality. Objective: - This study assesses knowledge, satisfaction of theatre personnel and compliance with the WHO-SCC at the University College Hospital, Ibadan Methods: - Compliance rate was the percentage of records found with WHO-SCC while completeness rate was the percentage of checklists filled. For the staff survey, a self-administered validated questionnaire was used. Results: - Between January 2014 and December 2015, 8,480 surgeries were performed with 8,140 checklists accounted for (compliance rate of 96%). The completeness rate ranged from 58-92%. Off 455 theatre staff approached, 318 (69.8%) participated (33.3% surgeons, 13.2% anesthetists, 53.5% nurses). Nurses reported satisfaction (p=0.018); more anesthetist than surgeons reported satisfaction (p=0.074). Subjective knowledge was reported as excellent/ very good in nurse s 148 (87%), anesthetists 30 (72%) and surgeons 71 (67%). Objective knowledge revealed no significant difference between all groups (p=0.032). Anesthetists believed the checklist improved safety of procedures, surgeons felt it was a waste of time whilst nurses believed it improved communication. All disciplines believed in its ability to enhance safety culture. Conclusion: - Although the WHO-SCC is used regularly in University College Hospital, Ibadan there is a need for more training to ensure a robust knowledge base.