Checklist Navigator 1.8

Surgical safety and anesthesia safety checklists have demonstrated significant efficacy in minimizing errors and enhancing patient outcomes. Furthermore, these checklists are instrumental in refining the process of handoffs among healthcare providers and directing appropriate responses during critical situations.

Nonetheless, the consistent and reliable implementation of these checklists poses challenges. Traditional checklist posters displayed in procedure rooms may be difficult or even impossible to read from a distance, while paper-based checklists are prone to misplacement. Checklists embedded within electronic health records often present as basic lists, lacking advanced functionalities.

In contrast, computerized checklists have been effectively utilized in the aviation industry. These checklists are either integrated into avionics systems or can be accessed by pilots via their personal tablets. The development of these computerized checklists has undergone meticulous consideration and refinement by aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and experienced test pilots.

The application under review has been developed by a team comprising anesthesiologists, software engineers, and a test pilot with commercial aviation experience. This collaboration has resulted in an app that incorporates established aviation checklist design principles. Notable features include intuitive navigation, rapid identification of relevant checklists for specific scenarios, an automated place keeper that highlights the next checklist item, visual indicators that reflect the completion status of checklist items, and an assurance mechanism confirming checklist completion. Each checklist item is accompanied by a succinct description as well as a detailed explanation for further reference.

In its inaugural release, the app offers a curated selection of checklists, with plans for future enhancements to include a broader array of resources such as comprehensive crisis checklists (referred to as “non-normal checklists” in the aviation context). The current offerings consist of:

• Surgical safety checklists (adapted from the WHO surgical safety checklists, also known as the procedural “time out”)
• Preanesthesia safety checklist (based on the APSF preanesthesia checklist)
• Handoff checklist tailored for safe transitions between care providers