Researchers found a total of 57 potential failures that lead to retained foreign objects during surgery, which is considered a “never” event. Those potential failures include room preparation, counts throughout the surgery, adding sponges and removing sponges. Researchers found distractions, multitasking, failure to follow protocol and time pressures contributed to the occurrence of one of these potential failures.
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They concluded education does not influence the incidence of retained foreign objects and suggested additional technological controls to improve safety.
Read the study about improving the incidence of retained foreign objects.
Related Articles on Retained Foreign Objects:
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Patient Awarded $525K After Nurses Left Sponge in Her Abdomen
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