AAAHC: 3 Steps for Effective Implementation of Checklists in ASCs

According to a patient safety toolkit, released by AAAHC's Institute for Quality Improvement, using surgical and procedural checklists are effective in improving patient safety and health outcomes.


A healthcare checklist is defined as a predetermined, well-defined, evidence-based set of steps that should be completed during a designated medical clinical encounter or medical procedure. Here are three steps for effectively implementing the use of checklists at a healthcare facility:

1. Engage target users through staff education.

2. Emphasize that each member of the healthcare team has valuable input to contribute. It is important to note that when checklists are reviewed, the traditional hierarchy among surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, radiologists and other personnel is flattened.

3. Provide evidence that checklists have been shown to improve communication, teamwork, job satisfaction, perception of management, climate of safety and recognition of stress.

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AAAHC: 3 Steps to Effectively Implement Surgical Checklists in ASCs

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