Many healthcare providers are adopting patient safety checklists in order to prevent medical errors. However, they should also issue co-pilot checklists to the patients and their families so they can assist in preventing medical errors, Dr. Steele said.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
Some checklist items Dr. Steele includes on his own co-pilot checklists include ensuring no one enters the patient’s room without washing their hands (including friends and family) and undergoing MRSA testing before elective heart surgery or joint replacement surgery.
Read Dr. Steele’s editorial in Bangor Daily News about co-pilot patient safety checklists.
Related Articles on Patient Safety Checklists:
Patient Safety Tool: WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Patient Safety Tool: Infection Control Checklist When Reopening After Extensive Water and Wind Damage
Patient Safety Tool: AMA’s Medication Safety Checklist
