ACS issues safety manual for surgeons

The American College of Surgeons has published a new 200-page manual designed to guide surgeons in evolving areas of patient safety.

"Surgical Patient Safety: Essential Information for Surgeons in Today's Environment" provides a broad overview of key issues, such as the scientific basis of surgical patient safety and the processes affecting surgical patient safety such as decision support, electronic prescribing, and error detection, analysis, and reporting. Legal challenges for surgeon participation in patient safety activities are also reviewed.

Legal challenges for surgeon participation in patient safety activities are reviewed. Also addressed are preventing wrong-site surgery, safe implementation of blood and blood components, and patient safety in trauma care. Error prevention methods are reviewed for surgical simulation, educational interventions, and quality improvement initiatives.

Orders may be placed online at www.facs.org/commerce/2004/catsplash.html.