New processes designed to reduce the possibility of a wrong-site surgery went into effect July 1 for hospitals in the UCHealth Southern Colorado Region and reflect incremental changes to protect patient and provider alike.

Dr. Paul Reckard, senior medical director for perioperative services, and Lisa Kilian, senior director for perioperative services, engaged physicians and nurses for ideas to improve processes. They also combed academic journals for evidence-based practices to put checks and balances into place in what is an inherently human process.

“We have talked with lots of people from other hospitals,” Reckard said. “We want to hear how things were done elsewhere so we can look at that process and see if it makes sense here.”

Initial efforts include requiring surgeons to create and sign an order for the specific planned surgery as well as requiring preoperative paperwork to be completed at least 48 hours in advance. The advance notice allows nursing staff to review documents for consistency and accuracy. Last-minute scrambling for paperwork should not be necessary, Reckard said.

Additionally, standardizing processes across UCHealth Southern Colorado Region facilities will help ensure consistent expectations for preoperative documentation.