Implementation of a standardized procedural checklist in a children's hospital

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the implementation and sustainability of checklist use among procedural-based specialties in a pediatric hospital and to survey perceptions of checklist efficacy among staff members and physicians.MethodsA modified World Health Organization procedural checklist was implemented. Percentage daily compliance was collected for all procedures over a 12-month period. Clinical staff members participated in a survey regarding the checklist. Associations among gender, clinical role, and years of experience were evaluated.ResultsCompliance at 12 months was significantly higher than at inception (94% vs 88%, P < .001) with average monthly compliance of 92%. Compliance deteriorated on weekends and holidays. Surgeons had more positive perceptions of using the checklist compared with nurses and anesthesiologists, independent of experience and gender (P = .001).ConclusionsThe implementation of a procedural checklist can be sustained across specialties with high compliance. Off-hours utilization remains problematic. Perceptions of checklist efficacy are disparate among roles in the operating room.