What is the Checklist?
If you’ve had surgery in the last decade you may recall being asked several times on the day of surgery questions like what is your name, what are you here for today, and do you have any allergies.
When I was asked these questions a few years ago before undergoing shoulder surgery, I wondered to myself “Shouldn’t you know this? You’re operating on me!” – but now I understand; they do know, they are just following the Checklist.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Safe Surgery Saves Lives Surgical Safety Checklist (aka. the Checklist) is a simple tool that helps the surgical team to improve safety in surgery and has been proven to decrease operating room mortality by nearly 50%, as well as significantly decrease surgical complications and infections.
It doesn’t require fancy equipment or expensive drugs; meaning it can have as large of an impact in Dallas or Minneapolis as it does in Beijing or Nairobi or Toamasina.
The only piece of the Checklist that actually costs anything is the use of a pulse oximeter; so for this we have teamed up with Lifebox, an organization dedicated to ensuring every operating room in the world has this vital tool, to offer pulse oximeters where needed.
You might be thinking, “Well that sounds great and simple, just teach people how to use it!” – if only it was that easy.
The Mercy Ships Medical Capacity Building program has been working for years to try and figure out what it takes to successfully implement the Checklist in the local hospitals where we are serving.
Behavior change is hard; just because we know we should floss our teeth every day doesn’t mean we actually do it. Just because we know we should use a checklist before surgery doesn’t mean we actually do it.
We first experimented with some teaching in Guinea; expanded it in Congo, and this last field service in Madagascar we worked alongside the OR teams in Toamasina and Mahajanga to develop a practical, modified Checklist, tailored to the needs and requirements of the hospital.
This year we’ve expanded – from two cities to twenty! By empowering and inviting the OR teams themselves to develop their own checklist, we hope they will continue to use it long after Mercy Ships departs!
Through this simple checklist, we could see transformation of surgical care in this country and beyond.
Stay tuned for the Checklist Project part 2 – Madagascar!
– Krissy Close, Medical Capacity Building Manager AFM
In the meantime, here is an overview of the steps:
Diacko: The Courage to Trust
As we approach the close of this year, let us take a moment to reflect on the challenges and trials faced by so many, especially those who have experienced profound loss. This season, while we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let’s also remember those who are still suffering, those who have lost their way, and those who have lost their faith in a better tomorrow.
During this holiday season, we invite you to join us in this mission of compassion, faith, and renewal.
Your generosity can make a real and lasting impact.
Teneng and Ibrahima: Gifts from God
This Christmas season, let’s come together as a community of faith and support to bring restoration to people who have lost so much. Mercy Ships Canada is on a mission to heal and transform the lives of Children and adults in need. Your gift, rooted in faith, can make a significant difference in the lives of countless people. Your support will bring back smiles, health, and faith to children and adults who have suffered for far too long. Donate today and make this Christmas truly meaningful.
Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile
At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.
Aissatou Finds Healing
As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the immense power of faith and the importance of giving back to those in need. This Christmas, you have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope, healing and transformation for those who need it most.
Your support this Christmas will not only change lives but also reaffirm the spirit of giving and faith. Join us in spreading love, hope, and healing.
Make a donation today, and together, we can transform the lives of people who have lost so much.
Grateful Hearts-Thank you message from Darryl Anderson
Our journey continues, and we’re excited to have you by our side as we embark on new adventures of compassion and change.
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