Standard Operating Procedures and Errors (7C) (7D)

Question 1

What are standard operating procedures?

Answer 1

written instructions describing how a routine task is to be carried out (when, where, by whom)

Question 2

What are the benefits of SOPs

Answer 2

• maintains consistency
• saves time
• improves quality assurance and safety

Question 3

What are the disadvatages of SOPs?

Answer 3

• may not reflect true clincal process
• must be review and updated often
• still a need for judgement

Question 4

What is the content of an SOP?

Answer 4

• Purpose
• Scope (what it covers)
• details of RP(s)
• procedure details
• Risk
• Members of staff that signed declaration
• further info

Question 5

What are the three strategies to reduce risk of error?

Answer 5

• SOPs
• Reporting - improve cause of error
• Culture

Question 6

What are the steps to take when an error has occurred?

Answer 6

1. Be honest and inform patient (apology)
2. make things right
3. Report
4. inform collegues involved
5. learn and improve