Having designed over 1,000 checklists for hundreds of facilities our process has evolved over time. Our initial consultation typically involves a discussion around what specific area is the client looking to develop a checklist board—is it a general board for surgery, endoscopy or maybe the Cath Lab. We then share some specific designs that we have developed for other hospitals. Usually this is done by sharing electronic PDF versions of the designs. As an aide, one of the spectacular traits of the healthcare professionals we work with is their willingness to share processes with others that they have found enable them to improve patient care. People overwhelmingly are delighted to able to share their successes with others.

Typically, once a preliminary design is developed, the champion that is developing the design shares it with their team for input. We then go back and forth with design changes until you are completely satisfied with your design. Once we receive authorization, the design then goes in to production. Generally it takes approximately 4 weeks from order to delivery.


Important thoughts on ChecklistBoard designs and trials

1. Engage actively with key stakeholders. Your key stakeholders in this situation are OR teammates and physicians, everyone needs to work together to make a checklist effective. A lack of engagement in development of the checklist is the number one reason for poor follow-through. Track usage of the checklist and reporting on success and usage at teammate meetings and medical staff meetings.
2. Develop tools and processes to support implementation. The checklist will most likely need some tweaking before it's perfect for your facility. Try out the suggested checklist, make changes, and then implement the final product.
3. Set clear expectations for individual accountability, responsibility and teammate behavior. Make sure you go line item by line item and verify that you completed the items before you proceed with surgery.
4. Make the checklist part of your culture. Implementing a surgical Checklistboard doesn't stop at hanging the checklist board on the wall. You should regularly track usage of the Checklistboard and talk about the effect on patients. When surgical errors or "near misses" occur, gather teammates together to talk about why they happened. Don't blame others, but work as a team on mistakes and omissions so you can avoid them in the future.
5. Celebrate success and consistency — let your team members know that you appreciate their efforts.

Finally, our CRM training can help insure that your team understands why and appreciates how a checklist will prevent errors, improve patient outcomes and reduce cost.