title: Surgery: a risky business.
abstract: The advancement of surgical technology has made surgery an increasingly suitable management option for an increasing number of medical conditions. Yet there is also a growing concern about the number of patients coming to harm as a result of surgery. Studies show that this harm can be prevented by better teamwork and communication in operating theatres. This article discusses the extent of adverse events in surgery and how effective teamwork and communication can improve patient safety. It also highlights the role checklists and briefing in improving teamwork and reducing human error in surgery.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Patient Safety and Service Quality, Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College, London. amit.vats@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vats
authors.forename: Kamal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nagpal
authors.forename: Krishna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moorthy
mesh_terms: D057189:Checklist; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000592:standards*