New handoff protocol boosts surgical security

A brand new examine showcases a profitable high quality enchancment program that considerably enhances surgical security. By implementing a standardized handoff protocol, referred to as SHRIMPS, the examine demonstrates how efficient communication in working rooms (OR) can scale back the chance of errors and enhance affected person care. The findings are revealed within the Journal of the American School of Surgeons (JACS). 

This examine is a first-rate instance of how high quality enchancment initiatives can result in higher affected person outcomes. By standardizing communication throughout surgical procedures, we will make sure that all crew members are knowledgeable, and that essential data is persistently conveyed, lowering the chance of errors.” 

Madeline Anderson, DO, examine co-author, surgical procedure resident on the College of Kentucky

Prompted by a frontline stakeholder’s issues about insufficient high quality surgical technician handoffs, the standard enchancment (QI) crew on the Lexington VA Medical Middle, affiliated with the College of Kentucky hospital, developed an audit software to guage handoffs throughout varied surgical circumstances from Might 2022 to February 2024. Preliminary audits revealed handoffs occurred in 82.6% of circumstances, however with solely 34.4% of essential parts being communicated. 

In response, the crew, in collaboration with OR workers, developed a standardized communication guidelines with the acronym “SHRIMPS” (Sharps, Sponges, Hidden or held objects, Changed objects, Devices & Implants, Medicines, Process overview, Specimens). Though it has nothing to do with the crustacean, the crew selected the SHRIMPS acronym to be a useful mnemonic system for surgical groups. This guidelines was displayed prominently in all ORs on the Lexington VA Medical Middle. 

Key Findings 

• Earlier than implementing SHRIMPS, handoffs occurred in 82.6% of circumstances, with solely 34.4% of essential parts communicated. 

• After implementing SHRIMPS, 100% of circumstances included handoffs, with 98.2% of essential parts addressed. 

• The period of handoffs averaged 69.4 seconds post-implementation, guaranteeing thorough communication with out considerably growing handoff time. 

“A part of the success of SHRIMPS comes from the QI crew partaking with each topline and frontline OR stakeholders, together with surgical technicians and circulating nurses,” stated Dr. Anderson. “This strategy ensures the software is more practical and garners buy-in from the individuals finally utilizing it.” 

The success of the SHRIMPS protocol highlights the numerous impression high quality enchancment applications can have in well being care – by implementing standardized handoff protocols, working rooms can obtain higher communication, fewer errors, and enhanced affected person care, the authors observe. The examine authors advocate for the widespread adoption of such instruments to make sure dependable and environment friendly data switch in surgical environments.