The surgical safety checklist is a structured, three-phase protocol designed to enhance communication, standardise perioperative processes and reduce avoidable harm in the operating theatre.

The University of Washington is the first U.S. site involved in a global pilot program to test a surgical checklist aimed at improving patient safety in the operating room. The program launched ...

(Reuters) - A surgical checklist, similar to what pilots use before every flight, can lower patient death rates -- though the drop was smaller than past research has found, a Netherlands study said.