The Joint Commission has issued a sentinel event alert focused on the prevention of unintended retention of foreign objects.
The average total cost of care per incident is estimated to be from $166,000 to more than $200,000.
The Joint Commission recommends:
• Development of a counting system to ensure all surgical instruments are accounted for
• Implementation of an evidence-based, facility-wide protocol for prevention
• Effective communication between all team members
• Careful documentation
• Safe selection and use of technology
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