LAUSR

Abstract The counting process is designed to prevent retained foreign bodies while providing optimal perioperative patient safety. Intraoperative distractions are prevalent and potentially contribute to patient safety risks. Counting is an important preventative measure that is a human process prone to error, especially in this busy environment where multiple things are happening simultaneously. We sought to evaluate the impact of distractions during the count process on patient safety. Trained, nationally certified registered nurses used a validated tool to observe the number of interruptions that occurred during the count process in cardiac surgery. Observation included the key personnel that lead the count process including the scrub person, circulating nurse, attending surgeons, fellows, and residents of all disciplines. Observation included scheduled cases in the cardiac specialty for the adult population including all shifts (24 hours). The predictor in this study was distraction. The primary measure of distraction was the total number of distraction for each case. There are different distraction levels for each distraction. Thus, weighted distraction score for each case was created as the summation of distraction level and it is the secondary measure of distraction. To detect a medium effect size with 80% power at 0.05 level, we needed a minimum sample size of 54. We correlated the relationship between the number of interruptions observed and sequelae. Working together as a cohesive team to minimize interruptions can enhance patient safety and decrease additional workload across departments.