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Rapid Presentation Round

Abstract

Adjunct surgical count technology refers to advanced methods and systems designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of surgical counts, which are critical for preventing unintended retained surgical sponges. This technology often incorporates digital tools like barcode scanning, radiofrequency identification (RFID), and intelligent surgical sponges. Automating the counting process reduces human error, allowing for real-time tracking of sponges throughout the surgical procedure. This can involve using handheld devices or integrated systems that automatically log usage. The systems integrate with the electronic health record (EHR) and surgical management systems, providing comprehensive tracking reporting capabilities. This integration facilitates better communication among surgical teams and enhanced accountability.

Notes

References: Bowman, C. L., De Gorter, R., Zaslow, J., Fortier, J. H., & Garber, G. (2023). Identifying a list of healthcare 'never events' to effect system change: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Open Quality, 12(2), e002264. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002264

Bubric, Katherine, M. Sc, A.E.P., Martel, J., Laberge, J., M. Sc, & Litvinchuk, Stacey, R.N., M.N. (2019). Factors contributing to incorrect surgical counts and system-based prevention strategies/Les facteurs contribuantaux decomptes chirurgicaux incorrects et les strategies de prevention base sur un systeme. ORNAC Journal, 37(4), 13-23,27-38.https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Ffactors-contributing-incorrect-surgical-counts%2Fdocview%2F2331396480%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D147674

Carmack, A., Valleru, J., Randall, K., Baka, D., Angarano, J., & Fogel, R. (2023). A multicenter collaborative effort to reduce preventable patient harm due to retained surgical items. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 49(1), 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjq.2022.09.005

Cochran, K. (2022). Guidelines in practice: Prevention of unintentionally retained surgical items. AORN Journal, 116(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.13804
Croke, L. (2023). Practices to aid in the prevention of unintentionally retained surgical items. AORN Journal, 117(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.13890

Description

The clinical relevance of implementing adjunct surgical count technology is profound. It impacts patient safety, operational efficiency, and overall healthcare outcomes. The primary clinical concern is the risk of unintended retained surgical sponges, which can lead to severe complications, additional surgeries, and increased healthcare costs. Adjunct surgical count technology can significantly reduce the incidence of URSSs through improved tracking and counting of surgical sponges.

Author Details

Herschel Bernard Holden, DNP, RN

Sigma Membership

Phi Phi

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Surgical Counts, Surgical Error Reductions, Surgical Management Systems

Conference Name

Creating Healthy Work Environments

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Implementing Adjunct Surgical Count Technology

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Adjunct surgical count technology refers to advanced methods and systems designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of surgical counts, which are critical for preventing unintended retained surgical sponges. This technology often incorporates digital tools like barcode scanning, radiofrequency identification (RFID), and intelligent surgical sponges. Automating the counting process reduces human error, allowing for real-time tracking of sponges throughout the surgical procedure. This can involve using handheld devices or integrated systems that automatically log usage. The systems integrate with the electronic health record (EHR) and surgical management systems, providing comprehensive tracking reporting capabilities. This integration facilitates better communication among surgical teams and enhanced accountability.