Abstract:

Surgery-related complications and mortality have remained unbearably high, particularly in developing countries. Consequently the WHO, developed a Safe Surgery checklist (SSC) to improve the safety of surgeries and reduce mismanagement in surgery. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of theatre staff about the SSC.

A cross sectional study involving theatre staff of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria was employed. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, Knowledge and awareness of the SSC, Perception towards safety culture and team work, Willingness and attitude of participants to use the SSC and Challenges affecting the implementation of the SSC in JUTH operating theatres were collected, using a semi-structured questionnaire.

A total of 68 theatre staff participated in the study. Majority 63 (92.5%) had heard about the safe surgery checklist. About 47.0% mentioned they did not usually have enough time for safety preparation, (72.1%) noted that there was not enough resources put in place to ensure safety. Majority (92.7%), indicated that they wanted the checklist to be used for all surgical procedures. and also improve communication and collaboration between operating room staff. Only 13.3% agreed that the checklist is easy to use. More than half (54.4%) felt that the checklist may not bring any extra value to existing safety procedures already in place. Lack of commitment from the Management (16.2%), Lack of interest of health worker (14.7%), Shortage/lack of manpower (20.6%), Lack of team spirit (23.5%) and Inadequate supply of consumable instruments and other equipment/facilities (22.0) were pointed out by the participants as challenges that can affect the implementation of the safe surgery checklist.

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