Part VI: The Universal Protocol is universally endorsed.

The universal protocol for preventing wrong-site surgeries is just that, a universal protocol. If used properly it can and will prevent wrong-site, wrong-procedure and wrong-patient surgeries. If not utilized they will continue to cause head scratching by patients and others.

Here is what the Joint Commission states with regard to the Universal Protocol For Preventing Wrong Site, Wrong Procedure, Wrong Person Surgery.

“Wrong site, wrong procedure, wrong person surgery can be prevented. This universal protocol is intended to achieve that goal. It is based on the consensus of experts from the relevant clinical specialties and professional disciplines and is endorsed by more than 40 professional medical associations and organizations.”

Universal Protocol For Preventing Wrong Site, Wrong Procedure, Wrong Person Surgery

Let us over the next few days review the requirements. Today we will simply list those medical organizations that have come out in favor of using the Universal Protocol For Preventing Wrong Site, Wrong Procedure, Wrong Person Surgery.

Endorsers of the Universal Protocol

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality
American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers
American Association of Eye & Ear Hospitals
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
American College of Cardiology
American College of Chest Physicians
American College of Emergency Physicians
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American College of Surgeons
American Dental Association
American Hospital Association
American Medical Association
American Medical Group Association
American Nurses Association
American Organization of Nurse Executives
American Pediatric Surgical Association
American Radiological Nurses Association
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of General Surgeons
American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses
American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses
American Urological Association
Association of American Medical Colleges
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses
Association of Surgical Technologists
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association
Federation of American Hospitals
Medical Group Management Association
National Association Medical Staff Services
National Patient Safety Foundation
North American Spine Society
Radiological Society of North America
Society of Thoracic Surgeons

This is an important list, because it shows the strength of what is behind this rather simple procedure made complex by those not using it. Recognized by these forty plus medical groups the Universal Protocol is not to be taken lightly or outright ignored.

Brooks Schuelke, is out in front with yesterday’s post Wrong Site Surgery: Is the Standard of Care Enough? In his post he sets forth the argument that as the Captain of the Ship, the surgeon is solely responsible for making sure a wrong-site-patient-procedure doesn’t occur. But I don’t necessarily agree with Steve Sanford of the Preferred Physicians Medical Risk Retention Group. Shared responsibility is exactly that. Every member of the operating team has some responsibility to know what they are there for and to speak up if there is any question about the who, what and where issues. Instead of throwing it out, why not make the OR a place where all members of the operating team are allowed without exception to question what’s about to occur. We’ll talk more about this in a later post but bringing it to your attention is important.

And also yesterday Mona Moke wrote Medications Your Own Doctor Won’t Take. She lists eight drugs doctors reportedly regularly prescribe but won’t take. They include Advair, Avandia, Celebrex, Ketek, Prilosec, Nexium, Visine Original and Pseudoephedrine. It’s an interesting read.

And when you’re thinking of having hernia surgery and what mesh to choose take a moment to read Armand Rossetti’s Something Doesn’t Mesh. He discussed hernia repair with the Kugel Mesh Patch. Perhaps sticking with what is known to have worked over the long run is a measure of insurance when selecting medical devices and drugs.

The FDA recently warned about Vytorin and a cancer link. Scott Kappes of Houston picked up on it and wrote FDA Warns of Possible Vytorin Cancer Link. There is a lot to read today on the IB. Enjoy your stay learning about what’s personal and can injury you.

Lombardi Law Firm has handled three of these cases and is in discussions with several other potential clients about similar surgical incidents. We invite you to contact the Lombardi Law Firm if you have an instance of wrong-site, wrong-procedure or wrong-patient surgical care.

Labels:medical negligence malpractice wrong site procedure patient iowa

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