Improving participation:A Physician perspective

Kathryn Flory M.D.Chief of OB/GYN, NMHC

Attitudes to overcome

This is not important.

This is a waste of my time.

I’ve never had to do this before, why now? (inertia)

Attitudes to promote

Concern for our patient’s welfare

Pride in our performance

Pride in our institution(s)

Steps to ensure physician participation

Physician Champion

Has an interest in promoting the sponge count initiative.

Communicates well with their peers.

Is willing to follow through with appropriate feedback to their peers.

Engage the physicians

Get input from the OB section/physicians on how to make the process work within your institution.

Provide the physicians with up to date data on the benefits of the sponge count and adverse consequences of retained sponges.

Explain that retained vaginal sponges are reported as adverse patient outcomes.

Emphasize that this is a statewide initiative.

Provide good communication with notification of when the initiative will begin and the procedural specifics.

Fewer sponges means less to keep track of.

Open sponges when needed and count them immediately.

Have a receptacle available to place dirty sponges in.

Streamline the process

Physician Accountability

Review retained sponge cases in peer review.

Send letters of education when these cases occur.