Retained surgical items (RSIs) are significant but highly preventable errors. Manual counting procedures have been the standard of care for surgical counts for many years. However, despite strict counting protocols, surgical items are still inadvertently left inside patients after wound closure. The numerous variables that must be considered during the surgical count process have made errors related to RSI all too prevalent. These retained surgical items are a potential source of morbidity for patients and a liability for care providers and healthcare facilities. Today, adjunct technologies have been developed to supplement manual surgical counts, adding another level of safety, and thus promoting positive outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Explain why the manual count is not enough to prevent retained surgical items (RSIs)
Describe the impact of RSIs and miscounts on the patient, operating room staff and hospital
Identify how applying human factors, a culture of safety, and leadership can contribute to reducing retained surgical sponges
Discuss the role of adjunct technology and how it can help prevent RSIs and manage miscounts
