The ‘Safe Surgery Saves Lives’ Campaign launched by the World Health Organization in 2007 introduced the Surgical Safety Checklist as a framework for improving patient safety within the surgical environment (Figure 18.1). One of the key elements identified to reduce patient harm during a surgical procedure is the confirmation at ‘sign out’ that the swabs and instruments are correct (National Patient Safety Agency 2009).

References

AfPP (Association for Perioperative Practice) (2011) Swab, instrument and needle count. In 2011 Standards and Recommendations for Safe Perioperative Practice. Harrogate: AfPP.

AORN (Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses)

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