Patient Safety in the Operating Room: Helsinki Declaration Implementation in Ukraine

Abstract

Patient safety in the operative and perioperative period is critically important. The consequences of anesthesia complications have a significant impact on long-term surgical outcomes, quality of life of patients, morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study was to assess the implementation of the components of the Helsinki Declaration in the practice of Ukrainian hospitals. Materials and methods. The survey was conducted in March-June 2021 by filling out a standard Google form. The link to the survey was distributed on the official page of the Association of Anesthesiologists of Ukraine, through social networks Facebook and Instagram on the official pages of the Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of the Institute of Postgraduate Education of the Bogomolets National Medical University. A total of 174 respondents took part in the survey. According to the results, 79.3% of respondents are aware of the Helsinki Declaration on Patient Safety in Anesthesiology. Among the respondents, only 43% stated that the principles of the Helsinki Declaration had been implemented in their medical institutions, and 20.9% about plans to implement the principles in the near future. At the same time, in 36% of medical institutions the principles of the declaration are not used and their implementation is not planned. The Safe Surgery checklist is always used by 18.7% of respondents, sometimes by 18.7%, and 29.2% of respondents have never about a checklist. Only 47% of doctors have an airway table in the operating room, and only 30% document the inspection of equipment before anesthesia. Most physicians noted that they used protocols in their practice, but 10% said they mostly did not. Regarding the report of complications, only 46% of hospitals have a separate form (journal), most doctors only inform the head of complications orally. Measures to improve patient safety in medical institutions in 2012-2014 were implemented by 24.1% of respondents, in 2015-2017 by 19.1%, in 2018 – 10.6%, in 2019-2020 – 10,2% of respondents. Most of the respondents stated that the quality of the department’s work has improved and the level of patient safety has improved after the application of these principles in their work. The study showed that while significant positive steps are being taken to improve patient safety, there are still many challenges and opportunities for improvement.