Patient safety checklist (interventional radiology)
Patient safety has been defined as the absence of preventable harm to a patient during the process of healthcare. Patient safety checklists have been developed by interventional radiologists to govern patient safety and they are useful for the practitioner to keep in mind to ensure every patient receives safe care every time. Some checklist items may not be applicable to every case.
Interventional radiology procedures are usually minimally invasive, however various risks and complications can still occur. These carry a human and economic burden. Adverse events are usually caused by multiple factors, rather than single factors in isolation.
Procedure planning
- discussed with referring physician / multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- imaging studies reviewed
- relevant medical history
- informed consent
- prophylaxis
- specific tools present and requested
- fasting order was given
- relevant lab tests requested (e.g. full blood count, coagulation profile, renal function etc)
- anesthesiologist necessary
- anticoagulant medication stopped
- post-procedural bed required
- contrast allergy prophylaxis necessary
Sign in
- all team members introduced
- all records with patient
- correct patient/side/site
- patient fasting
- IV access as necessary
- monitoring equipment attached
- coagulation screen and other relevant lab tests checked
- allergies and/or prophylaxis checked
- antibiotics and other drugs administered
- consent, including complications, discussed
Sign out
- post-op note was written
- vital signs normal during procedure
- medications and contrast media recorded
- lab tests requested
- all samples labeled and sent to lab
- procedure results discussed with patient
- post-discharge instructions given
- follow-up outpatient appointment made
- procedure results communicated to referring physician
