A retained surgical sharp (RSS) is a never event. Operating room (OR) team members, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, were surveyed regarding their experiences with actual and near-miss sharps (NMS). While nearly all team members reported experiencing at least one RSS or NMS in the past year, responses to other survey items varied by professional group. Surgeons were less likely to perceive that a sharp had been lost as compared to other OR team members, indicating a potential under-report bias. Improved communication between team members may increase identification, and therefore reporting, of RSS and NMS, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Failure to remove ureteral stents can lead to adverse patient outcomes and increased health care costs. In this study, researchers describe a smartphone application designed to simplify tracking of ureteral stent procedures and removal dates.

… for improvement may be less effective if not tailored to a specific environment and use. This review highlights …