Unlocking Insights: Exploring Knowledge and Attitudes on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist among Operating Room Personnel in Police and Services Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization's Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has been identified as a pivotal tool for enhancing patient safety in operating rooms globally. Despite its proven efficacy, varying levels of knowledge and attitudes towards the SSC among healthcare professionals can influence its successful implementation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of operating room personnel towards the SSC at the Police and Services Hospital (P&SH) in Peshawar, Pakistan, identifying gaps and areas for improvement to facilitate better adoption and utilization of the SSC. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024 among 30 permanent staff members in the operating theaters at P&SH, including surgeons, nurses, anesthetists, and technicians. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. The survey comprised demographic questions, knowledge-based questions regarding the SSC, and items assessing attitudes towards the checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize demographic information, knowledge levels, and attitudes. Results: The study found that 93.3% of participants had heard of the SSC, with 93.3% demonstrating good knowledge and a positive attitude towards its implementation. However, 3.3% of the participants displayed poor knowledge, and a small fraction exhibited neutral or negative attitudes (6.7%). A significant majority (93.3%) expressed strong support for using the SSC in all surgical procedures, while concerns were raised about its potential to waste time and impact operating efficiency negatively. Conclusion: The high level of awareness and positive attitudes among operating room personnel at P&SH towards the SSC is encouraging. Nevertheless, the presence of knowledge gaps and efficiency concerns highlights the need for targeted educational interventions and strategies to address misconceptions and operational challenges. Enhancing the understanding and efficient use of the SSC can further solidify its role as a cornerstone of patient safety in surgical settings.