Utilization Of the Who Surgical Safety Checklist by Surgical Professionals at Selected Hospitals in The Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Even though there are enormous benefits associated with the use of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (WHO SSC) it’s adoption and use in low-middle-income countries is only 20%. This study seeks to assess the factors that contribute to the utilization of the WHO SSC by surgical professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Achimota Hospital, and Narh-Bita Hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Surgical Professionals. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using a statistical software tool, STATA, version 18.0 Results: The study found that there was a high level of awareness of the WHO SSC among surgical personnel (100%). Also, 93.2% of surgical professionals knew the core objectives of the Checklist, 73.6% knew about the structure of the SSC, 86.4% knew that SSC is a collaborative effort and must involve all members of the surgical team, 97.7% had knowledge of the role of SCC to enhance the safety of patients and surgical outcomes and 77.7% of medical personnel showed a clear consensus on how to handle a situation where an item on the WHO SSC does not apply to a given surgical procedure. Conclusion: Based on this, the study recommended that there should be continuous training on the importance and proper usage of WHO SSC. This will help to achieve the WHO SSC’s goal of enhancing patient safety and surgical outcomes.