Effect of Using a Written Preanesthetic Machine Checklist on Detection of Anesthesia Machine Faults

摘要

Recommendations from several studies of anesthesia mishaps and equipment malfunction include the use of a written preanesthetic machine checklist to ensure the proper function of the anesthesia machine prior to initiating anesthesia. In an extensive literature search, no studies were found which examined the efficacy of a written preanesthetic machine checklists. Thirty-six volunteer anesthesia practitioners examined a standard anesthesia machine which contained nine operational errors; 21 practitioners performed the machine check by memory (control group) while 15 practitioners used a comprehensive written checklist while performing the machine check (experimental group). The average number of errors detected was 6.25 + or - 1.48 (SD). There was a significant difference in the number of errors discovered by the two groups. The control group discovered a mean of 5.7 errors + or - 1.23 (SD) while the experimental group discovered a mean of 7 errors + or - 1.51 (SD), p = .004. Consideration should be given to using machine-specific checklists and to initiating specific educational programs which emphasize the preanesthetic machine check.