A Needs Assessment Regarding a Fire Risk Assessment Checklist In the Operating Room

Abstract

Background: A surgical fire in the operating room (OR) is a devastating hazard that carries the weight of high morbidity and mortality. Through acknowledgment of fire risks among all OR team members, proper education, and training, as well as effective communication, a surgical fire in the OR is a preventable medical error. The addition of a fire risk assessment (FRA) checklist has been proven to increase awareness of potential fire risks and improve the quality and safety of patient care. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to perform a needs assessment regarding surgical team members’ knowledge, awareness, and utilization rate of FRA checklist as a precautionary measure to prevent surgical fires. Moreover, this project attempted to gather data concerning potential barriers towards the implementation and adoption of the FRA checklist to the already established surgical timeout prior to every procedure being performed. Setting: This project took place at a Level 1 trauma hospital in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metro area. The study included (N=16) participants, who were the members of the surgical team at this organization. Method: An online survey was disseminated to participants. The survey consisted of two sections which examine 1) sociodemographic information, and 2) assessment of knowledge, practice, and attitudes related to FRA checklist during the surgical timeout. Results: Majority of the respondents acknowledged that FRA is an appropriate tool and is necessary during the surgical timeout. Only 25% (N=16) of respondents acknowledged reviewing this current practice guideline on FRA checklist. The most important finding from this study is that half of the respondents (N=8) supported on the usefulness of the FRA checklist during the surgical timeout in their current clinical practice setting. Furthermore, 69% (N=11) of the participants agreed this gap exists in their current practice related to FRA checklist during the surgical timeout. Conclusion: By surveying the surgical team members’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, the researcher identified gaps in current practice. These findings were then used to determine the need for the FRA checklist during the surgical timeout at this healthcare organization. This Facility implemented a protocol for the FRA checklist effective February 7, 2018.