Surgical Safety Checklist Compliance in a Private Hospital Setting: A Study from Port Harcourt Nigeria

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist is a global tool designed to enhance surgical safety through improved team communication and adherence to critical protocols. Despite its widespread adoption, variations in implementation persist, particularly in private healthcare settings. Aim: This study examined the level of adherence to the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in a private hospital in Port Harcourt, with emphasis on its impact on communication, teamwork, and patient safety. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected over four years through a review of completed surgical checklists and real-time intraoperative observations. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used for analysis. Results: Of the 86 healthcare personnel surveyed, 88% were aware of the checklist, and 79% had comprehensive understanding of its components. Adherence was highest in-patient identity verification (98%) and anaesthesia safety checks (89%). Conversely, compliance was lowest in surgical site marking (73%) and Sign Out verification (65%). The majority acknowledged the checklist’s positive impact on communication (85%), teamwork (84%), and reduction of surgical errors (79%). Nevertheless, only 55% reported that adherence was consistently enforced. Conclusion: The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is recognised as an effective tool for enhancing communication and patient safety during surgery. Nonetheless, inconsistent adherence to certain components remains a challenge. The study recommends targeted training, regular audits, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms to ensure full integration of the checklist into surgical practice.