UW Medical Center takes part in WHO surgical checklist initiative

WEBWIRE – Friday, July 04, 2008 UW Medical Center (UWMC) took part in an international broadcast and global launch of the World Health Organization’s "Safe Surgery Saves Lives" campaign Wednesday, June 25. UWMC is the only U.S. site of eight sites around the globe participating in the pilot phase of the project, which involves the use of a checklist for care before, during and after surgery. Dr. E. Patchen "Patch" Dellinger, vice-chair of surgery, is directing UW efforts and implemented use of the checklist for all general surgical operations at UWMC starting in April. It will be used for all operations by all surgical specialties by fall 2008. Dellinger’s work coincides with Dr. David Flum’s efforts on the state’s Surgical Clinical Outcomes Assessment Program and is supported by groups including the Washington State Hospital... [read full story]