The Effect of Radiofrequency Technology on Time Spent Searching for Surgical Sponges and Associated Costs

Abstract

Retained surgical items (eg, sponges, instruments) remain the most frequently reported sentinel events. The primary strategy for preventing retained sponges is the sponge count. Reconciling sponge counts is time consuming and can extend the duration of operative and other invasive procedures. The primary objective of this observational study was to evaluate the effect of a radiofrequency (RF) surgical-sponge detection system on time spent searching for surgical sponges. The study included 27,637 procedures during nine months before and after implementing an RF surgical-sponge detection system. After implementation of the system, time spent searching for sponges was reduced by 79.58%, the percentage of unreconciled counts was reduced by 71.28%, and time spent using radiography to rule out a retained sponge was reduced by 46.31%. This resulted in a reduction of costs. These findings should be used as part of a comprehensive cost analysis of alternative methods when evaluating RF sponge detection technology.

Retained Surgical Items: Evidence Review and Recommendations for Prevention

“…An additional study found that using RF sponge detection technology identified eight near misses and resulted in no RSSs in 27,637 surgeries. 14 This study showed that perioperative team members who used RF technology spent 79.6% less time searching for missing sponges. In addition, there were 71.3% fewer unreconciled counts, and perioperative teams spent 46.3% less time using intraoperative radiographs to identify a retained sponge.…”

“…An additional study found that using RF sponge detection technology identified eight near misses and resulted in no RSSs in 27,637 surgeries . This study showed that perioperative team members who used RF technology spent 79.6% less time searching for missing sponges.…”

“…This study showed that perioperative team members who used RF technology spent 79.6% less time searching for missing sponges. In addition, there were 71.3% fewer unreconciled counts, and perioperative teams spent 46.3% less time using intraoperative radiographs to identify a retained sponge …”

“…In addition, there were 71.3% fewer unreconciled counts, and perioperative teams spent 46.3% less time using intraoperative radiographs to identify a retained sponge. 14…”

Using Radiofrequency Technology to Prevent Retained Sponges and Improve Patient Outcomes

“…In addition, implementing and using RF technology routinely may reduce the time that perioperative team members spend reconciling surgical counts. One researcher found that the use of RF technology was associated with nearly 80% less time spent reconciling counts per 1,000 surgical procedures 16 . These data suggest that integrating RF technology into the surgical count process can help perioperative team members resolve miscounts and conserve resources (eg, time, money).…”