WHO Surgical Safety Checklist – Improving Surgical Outcomes & Patient Safety
A Mandatory Protocol in Modern Surgical Hospitals
Comprehensive Surgical Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
General, Laparoscopic, Emergency & Daycare Surgery Specialist
What Is the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist?
The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is a standardized safety tool designed to reduce surgical errors, complications, and mortality by ensuring clear communication and verification at critical stages of surgery.
It is now considered an essential part of quality surgical care worldwide.
Why the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist Is Important
Surgical errors often occur due to:
❌ Communication gaps
❌ Wrong patient or wrong site
❌ Missed allergies
❌ Equipment failure
The checklist acts as a final safety barrier before harm occurs.
Three Critical Phases of the WHO Checklist
1️⃣ Sign In (Before Anesthesia)
✔ Patient identity confirmation
✔ Surgical site & procedure verification
✔ Consent confirmation
✔ Anesthesia safety check
✔ Allergy & airway risk assessment
Ensures safe induction of anesthesia.
2️⃣ Time Out (Before Skin Incision)
✔ Team introductions
✔ Procedure reconfirmation
✔ Antibiotic prophylaxis timing
✔ Equipment & imaging readiness
✔ Anticipation of critical steps
Prevents wrong-site and wrong-procedure surgery.
3️⃣ Sign Out (Before Leaving OT)
✔ Instrument & sponge count
✔ Specimen labeling
✔ Post-op care instructions
✔ Recovery & ICU planning
Ensures smooth post-operative transition.
Benefits of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
✔ Reduces surgical complications
✔ Lowers infection rates
✔ Decreases mortality
✔ Improves teamwork
✔ Enhances patient confidence
Proven to save lives.
Role of Surgeons in Checklist Compliance
✔ Active participation
✔ Clear communication
✔ Accountability
✔ Leadership in OT
Safety culture starts from the surgeon.
Role of Anesthesia & Nursing Team
✔ Double verification
✔ Monitoring compliance
✔ Documentation
✔ Escalation of concerns
Teamwork ensures success.
Checklist Use in Emergency Surgeries
✔ Rapid but focused checklist
✔ Life-saving verification
✔ No compromise on safety
Even emergencies need structure.
WHO Checklist in Daycare & Laparoscopic Surgery
✔ Short procedures still carry risks
✔ Checklist prevents avoidable errors
✔ Enables safe same-day discharge
Small surgeries deserve big safety.
Checklist Implementation at Aayush Multispeciality Hospital
✔ Mandatory checklist policy
✔ Trained OT staff
✔ Regular audits
✔ Continuous quality improvement
Patient safety is non-negotiable.
Why Dr. Ankur Bhanushali Follows WHO Safety Protocols
✔ Ethical surgical practice
✔ Predictable surgical outcomes
✔ Reduced complications
✔ International safety standards
Safe surgery is smart surgery.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa Building, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
