The WHO checklist: are we ready?
Released on - 27/08/2009 Author - AfPP
The WHO checklist is something that seems to be on everyone’s mind at the moment. With the implementation date for all trusts set for February 2010 it was no surprises that we had 85 delegates attend the day.
The day was a huge success with guest speakers Diane Gilmore President of AfPP and Susan Pirie Professional Officer for AfPP giving excellent presentations. The day was divided into two with Diane covering the essential elements of the WHO checklist its implementation , aims, outcomes and benefits in the morning, followed by Susan talking about the implications and standing of best practice statements, guidelines and recommendations and Legal implications and professional accountability (HPC / NMC) guidelines 2009.I then talked about what the current practice across the region with regard to who is using the NPSA version of the WHO checklist and discussed the variation in local practices .We looked at the implications for patient safety across the region and NPSA guidance.
With all that information it was time for lunch and networking with delegates. The day was sponsored by four companies, 3M, Medline, Intersurgical and P3 medical. During the lunch break delegates were able to network with the sponsors and find out what new products were available. This led to very interesting discussion surrounding local practice and difference from trust to trust. This proved to be very beneficial for both delegates and sponsors alike.
The afternoon consisted of a practical interactive session involving all the delegates. The delegates were divided up into two groups; the first group discussed the problems and pitfalls of the checklist using scenarios and a voting system.
The second group was given a scenario focusing on all three phases of the checklist - Sign In, Time Out, Sign Out. The day was very successful and enjoyed by all. The West Midlands AfPP are looking for more members for the regional team so if you are in the region and are interested in being involved and supporting the team, don’t hesitate contact Matt or Sheila today.
Matt Coombe
Regional team
West Midlands AfPP
