'Procedures involving the wrong patient or body part' is one of eight national reportable sentinel events and for the past three years (2004-2007) has been the most frequently reported category, accounting for up to 62% of all reported sentinel events in Australia (ACSQHC, Windows into Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2008 and AIHW, Sentinel Events in Australia Public Hospitals 2004-05 ).
On 1st June, the Queensland Health Executive Management Team (EMT) approved the Ensuring Correct Patient, Correct Site and Side, Correct Procedure (3Cs) Policy and Implementation Standard (formerly known as Ensuring Intended Surgery (EIS) Policy) as a mandatory standard for all invasive procedures preformed in Queensland public facilties.
The revised 3Cs Policy and supporting Implementation Standard 2009 was developed after extensive consultation with Clinicians, Professional Colleges and key stakeholders and represents an enhancement to and expansion of the former EIS Policy (2005). The 3Cs policy and supporting Implementation Standard applies to all surgical procedures performed in operating theatres and to all invasive procedures performed in other health care settings such as Radiology, Mental Health, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy and Oral Health. The four-step protocol includes:
1. Patient Identification Check
2. Obtaining and Checking Informed Consent
3. Marking and Verification of Site and Side
4. Team Final Check
Learn more about what Patient Safety Centre is doing about 3Cs:
3Cs Policy Documents 3Cs Implementation Resources References & Links
3Cs Research 3Cs Promotional Materials Contact Us
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