Surgical Safety Checklists in Ontario, Canada

To the Editor: As described by Urbach et al. (March 13 issue), 1 the surgical safety checklist is a tool designed to ensure that the incidence of errors related to communication in the operating theater is minimized. 2 As Leape 3 emphasizes in the editorial accompanying the article, the diligence with which the checklist is developed and applied is critical to its effectiveness. As a cardiac anesthesiologist, I have witnessed discussions that have averted potential errors during and after surgery. Accreditation Canada has adopted the Safe Surgical Checklist as a Required Organizational Practice. As an accreditor, I have evaluated approximately 10 operating rooms . . .