Background: The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) is a tool designed to improve surgical safety world-wide. The SSC is adapted for use in children on a case-by-case basis. Parental involvement is not routine, but may be helpful in ensuring effective use of the SSC to improve safety and team communication. Using mixed-methods, we explored parents’ perspectives regarding meaningful use of the SSC.
Methods: All parents of children undergoing elective or emergency surgery at Alberta Children’s Hospital from July 31 to August 31, 2017 were invited to participate in a survey and interview. Surveys elicited parents’ perceptions of SSC value and their involvement in various aspects of the SSC, and interviews further explored parental perceptions and recommendations for change.
Results: 71 parents completed the survey, and eight were interviewed. Most parents surveyed recalled being involved in the SSC process. 73% felt this involvement was appropriate, though some (14%) preferred greater involvement. 89% of parents reported that they would want a SSC used in future surgeries. Thematic analysis of interviews identified increased parental confidence and decreased anxiety with the performance of a SSC. Areas for improvement included the need for parental SSC introduction, improved focus on parental SSC involvement and increased customization of the SSC to pediatrics. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of certain SSC elements on patient anxiety.
Conclusions: There are opportunities to improve meaningful use of the SSC through parental engagement. Parents feel that involvement in SSC improves safety and increases their confidence in the surgical team.