Checklist for Caesarean Section to Eliminate Personnel Incompetence Errors - Term Paper Example

The paper “Checklist for Caesarean Section to Eliminate Personnel Incompetence Errors" is a great example of a term paper on health sciences & medicine. The author offers a checklist for preparation for cesarean section due to which the Woman becomes aware of her complications and high-risk nature. Cesarean section procedure and risks involved explained to the woman. 3. Her questions and concerns paid attention to. 4. The woman is mentally prepared. 5. Informed consent obtained from the woman and her partner or next of kin.

CONFIRMATION OF MEDICAL RECORDS AND CONDITION OF THE WOMAN AND BABY  1. A medical condition of the woman assessed. 2. Condition and position of the baby confirmed. 3. Medical records examined for information. 4. All medical records are complete. 5. All records are signed and necessary forms filled. GETTING READY 1. Woman’s blood type obtained. 2. Blood for hemoglobin and 2 units of cross-match blood obtained. 3. Necessary equipment and supplies obtained, counted and prepared. 4. Participant and assistant confirmed their participation by name and signature. 5. Theatre clothes, cap, facemask, plastic apron, protective footwear, and protective eyeglasses confirmed for participant and assistant.

PREPARATION FOR OPERATION 1. Perform a surgical hand scrub and dress appropriately. 2. Set up an IV line and infuse 500 ccs of IV fluids. 3. Give premedication including: a). Magnesium trisilicate 300 mg b). Atropine 0.6 mg IM (or IV if in the theater). 4. Evaluate anesthetic options a). Spinal anesthetic. b). Local anesthetic. c). General anesthetic 5. Assist the woman to wear a gown and a cap and catheterize her bladder. How Checklist for Caesarean Section will improve the process (cesarean section surgical operation).

According to Gawande (2009), the main purpose of a checklist is to enable experts to improve their outcomes. This particular checklist applies to the performance of nurses and midwives. Using this checklist, nurses and midwives involved in performing a cesarean section in hospital theatre or midwife’s clinic are able to avoid making errors of ignorance and errors of ineptitude. Gawange (2009) explains errors of ineptitude as those errors or mistakes that people make because they do not make proper utilization of what they already know whereas errors of ignorance are those errors or mistakes people make because they are not knowledgeable enough.

Examples of error of ineptitude that could occur in the cesarean section are to begin the procedure without confirming the availability and quantity of all required equipment and supplies or forgetting to perform a surgical hand scrub. An example of the error of ignorance could include failure to give the expectant woman the right premedication. Haynes et al (2009) state that the use of checklists is a good way through which professionals can humble and concede that they require help. Basing on this, the nurses and midwives will be able to avoid any error they could have made because of lack of knowledge, low levels of keenness or forgetting.

According to Youngson and Flin (2010), a checklist for preparation for cesarean section are very important in guiding and reminding nurses and midwives of the correct clinical procedures and medical interventions when assisting women to deliver via cesarean section. It also gives them an overview of the tasks that have already been performed and their satisfactory levels while pointing out those tasks that still require their attention before the medical procedure can begin. Working with the help of the checklist is a good way through which professionals can improve their competency levels.

According to Haynes et al (2009), the use of checklist by surgical teams is very important in reducing morbidity and mortality rates. In relation to this, Potter (2008) urges nurses, midwives and other experts in the medical field to utilize checklists to avoid or minimize human errors in their practice. Using the first phase of this checklist, the nurses will be able to know if the woman has consented in regard to the procedure for purposes of legal and medical ethic accountability. Checklists are also an important way of communication by the medical team in regard to their patient and the appropriate medical intervention.

According to WHO (2010) checklists are important in ensuring that key clinical risks in the medical environment are addressed for example confirming the availability of antiseptics and sterilized equipment and correct medical supplies. Conclusion Checklists are very important in ensuring that the correct procedures are followed when conducting a task. They also help to ensure that all the right type and quantity of equipment and supplies that are required for the tasks have been availed before the commencement of the task.

in addition to this, they act as a reminder of the correct procedures and steps of carrying out a task. In these ways, checklists help in improving outcomes, reducing human errors, eliminating environmental risks while helping the professionals to increase their competency.