Journal of perioperative practice
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Controlling the process: legislation and guidance regulating the decontamination of medical devices.
The reprocessing of medical devices, in particular surgical instruments, is an extremely technical and highly regulated industry. There are many guidance documents, and European and international standards that cover different aspects of decontamination. This article provides an outline of the main documents covering the critical elements of reprocessing which aim to ensure that reusable medical devices are provided which are fit for purpose and safe for patient use.
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Of the more than 230 million patients who undergo surgery each year, 7 million suffer a disabling complication, and one million die (Weiser 2008). These numbers are substantial, and through the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, the issues surrounding safe surgery are at last receiving attention on the international stage.
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The advancement of surgical technology has made surgery an increasingly suitable management option for an increasing number of medical conditions. Yet there is also a growing concern about the number of patients coming to harm as a result of surgery. ⋯ This article discusses the extent of adverse events in surgery and how effective teamwork and communication can improve patient safety. It also highlights the role checklists and briefing in improving teamwork and reducing human error in surgery.
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Surgical care has been an essential component of health care worldwide for over a century. As the incidence of traumatic injuries, cancers and cardiovascular disease continues to rise, the impact of surgical intervention on public health systems is growing. Approximately 234 million interventions are now performed every year, representing one intervention for every 25 people on earth. In the United Kingdom this equates to a ratio of one operation for every eight people (WHO 2008a).
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Research from the United States which explores events related to the surgical count has identified that there are opportunities to review our practice in order to reduce risks to surgical patients. The Safe Surgery Saves Lives Campaign highlights this aspect of perioperative patient safety, ensuring that poor processes and poor communication, often the reasons for retained surgical items, become part of the team 'sign-out' at the end of every operation.