Lead Nurse Practitioner RNFA University of Maryland Capital Region Crofton, Maryland, United States
Disclosure(s):
Barbara L. Nalley, MSN,RN,ANP-BC,NP-C,CNOR,RNFA: No financial relationships to disclose
Overview/Abstract: We continue to discuss the issue of retained surgical items because it continues to occur. While the rates of occurrence are down from 10 years ago however we continue to see cases. There are many risk factors that have been identified over the years such as patient BMI, emergent nature of the case, cases requiring multiple procedures at the same time, communication issues, staff lacking education (Moffatt).What do we do when the issue is the staff have been educated, the policies and procedures are in place? We have our white boards our technology but how can we improve compliance with our staff members? Does punitive action improve prevention: no not for the long term. This presentation will discuss how to better ensure compliance and improve communication among your staff. How to re-educate them into following the policies and procedures that have been identified over the last several years for prevention.
