Lessons from aviation - the role of checklists in minimally invasive cardiac surgery

S Hussain; C Adams; A Cleland; P M Jones; G Walsh; B Kiaii

doi:10.1177/0267659115584785

Lessons from aviation - the role of checklists in minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Perfusion. 2016 Jan;31(1):68-71. doi: 10.1177/0267659115584785. Epub 2015 Apr 27.

Authors

S Hussain¹, C Adams¹, A Cleland², P M Jones³, G Walsh², B Kiaii⁴

Affiliations

¹ Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
² Division of Clinical Perfusion Services, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
³ Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
⁴ Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada bob.kiaii@lhsc.on.ca.

PMID: 25918039
DOI: 10.1177/0267659115584785

Abstract

We describe an adverse event during minimally invasive cardiac surgery that resulted in a multi-disciplinary review of intra-operative errors and the creation of a procedural checklist. This checklist aims to prevent errors of omission and communication failures that result in increased morbidity and mortality. We discuss the application of the aviation - led "threats and errors model" to medical practice and the role of checklists and other strategies aimed at reducing medical errors.

Keywords: checklist; medical errors; minimally invasive; threats and errors.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Aviation
Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods*
Checklist
Female
Humans
Medical Errors / prevention & control*
Middle Aged
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*