Education Does Little to Curb Retained Objects During Surgery, Additional Interventions Needed

Recent research shows educational intervention doesn't do much to curb the incidence of retained foreign objects during surgery, according to a study published in AORN Journal.

Researchers found a total of 57 potential failures that lead to retained foreign objects during surgery, which is considered a "never" event. Those potential failures include room preparation, counts throughout the surgery, adding sponges and removing sponges. Researchers found distractions, multitasking, failure to follow protocol and time pressures contributed to the occurrence of one of these potential failures.

 

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They concluded education does not influence the incidence of retained foreign objects and suggested additional technological controls to improve safety.

Read the study about improving the incidence of retained foreign objects.

Related Articles on Retained Foreign Objects:

Patient Receives $650K Settlement for Retained Foreign Object, Medication Error
Medical Errors Leave More Than 550 Patients Dead or Seriously Harmed in Florida
Patient Awarded $525K After Nurses Left Sponge in Her Abdomen

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