RESOURCES FOR MANAGING HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED CONDITIONS 

Pay-Per-View Article: Reducing the Risk of Unintentionally Retained Foreign Bodies
Joint Commission:  The Source, Volume 3, Number 10, October 2005, pp. 1-2, 11

Abstract
Organizations need to use effective strategies for reducing the risk of unintentionally retained foreign bodies after surgery, an issue which has recently become a sentinel event reviewable by the Joint Commission. Read on to learn how to protect patients from this sentinel event.

Order or find out more about Joint Commission: The Source

Free Article: Focus on Five: Preventing Retained Foreign Objects:  Improving Safety After Surgery
Joint Commission Perspectives on Patient Safety, Volume 6, Number 3, March 2006, pp. 11

Abstract
The unintended retention of a foreign object in patients after surgery is one of the items included under The Joint Commission's definition of a reviewable sentinel event, even when the outcome is not death or major permanent loss of function. Patient safety experts say surgical objects left in a patient is a preventable occurrence if appropriate precautions are followed. This article offers five strategies for health care organizations to prevent the retention of surgical objects.

Order or find out more about Joint Commission Perspectives on Patient Safety