The Genius of Checklists

Posted: Thu, Sep 18, 2014 10:32

Wayne Cotton says, “If you have a problem, make it a procedure and it won’t be a problem anymore.” I love that! In fact, I love it so much that I took it personally: I’ve struggled for years with getting up early and matching my suit pants and jacket. I wear suits in black and dark blue, and early in the morning it is impossible for me to tell them apart. It wasn’t a problem when I was married, but now that I’m on my own, my golden retriever is not as helpful.

Consider This:

After I heard Wayne’s idea, I labeled all of my pant and suit hangers with the name of the suit, the date I bought it, and a consecutive number. Some of you are probably thinking that this is a little excessive, maybe even silly. It is not silly! I got feedback on an evaluation form last year that said, “When I hang up my dresses, I put a card on the hanger that says the date I wore it and who saw me wear it.” Wow!

I was also inspired by a speech I saw in San Diego by Dr. Atul Gawande, author of The Checklist. He talked about his journey toward safety in the operating room, and how he promoted the idea of a surgical safety checklist. The checklist had three stages: Sign In, Time Out, and Sign Out. No one wants to cut off the wrong leg or leave instruments in the body, so these checklists are invaluable. I know some surgeons still resent and resist checklist medicine, but checklists are not exclusive to Medicine.

I love checklists when I’m flying. I got on a plane last year and saw the pilot and co-pilot going through a checklist. I was so impressed, I asked them to let me take a picture! I love the fact that airlines practice Six Sigma Safety – meaning that they tolerate one mistake per million. I feel much safer knowing that pilots use checklists to keep passengers safe.

The Take Away:

I love checklists because they work; they guarantee that you won’t forget things. If I don’t use a checklist when I travel, I inevitably forget something that gets me into trouble – the same thing can happen in a hospital.

So, why not have a series of checklists? If they work in surgery, they’ll work during the discharge process. Your success is directly related to not forgetting things, and the best way to remember everything is by being systematic. I have found that checklists allow you to be in the moment with the patient, family member, or customer.

Follow Us on Twitter

Like Us on Facebook