Using a data-matrix–coded sponge counting system across a surgical practice: impact after 18 months
RR Cima, A Kollengode, J Clark, S Pool… - The Joint Commission …, 2011 - Elsevier
Article-at-a-Glance Background Retained surgical items (RSIs), most commonly sponges,
are infrequent. Yet despite sponge-counting standards, failure to maintain an accurate count
is a common error. To improve counting performance, technology solutions have been
developed. A data-matrix–coded sponge (DMS) system was evaluated and implemented in
a high-volume academic surgical practice at Mayo Clinic Rochester (MCR). The primary end
point was prevention of sponge RSIs after 18 months. Methods Two trials were conducted …
are infrequent. Yet despite sponge-counting standards, failure to maintain an accurate count
is a common error. To improve counting performance, technology solutions have been
developed. A data-matrix–coded sponge (DMS) system was evaluated and implemented in
a high-volume academic surgical practice at Mayo Clinic Rochester (MCR). The primary end
point was prevention of sponge RSIs after 18 months. Methods Two trials were conducted …