Thought of the Day 01.16.09

A recent study showed that when surgeons use a simple 19-point checklist (like what pilots use), it reduces complications by 30% and death rates by 50%. Items include asking about allergies and physically counting surgical implements. Seems obvious, right? Nonetheless, advocates worry that doctors will resist using it because none of them think they need it.

The angry response might say, “Well, if you already do everything you right, then you have no reason to resist this plan.”

But a more effective response would be, “Oh, we know you do everything right.But that's exactly why your participation and stamp of approval will be so helpful in convincing other doctors to go along. Not all the patients can be lucky enough to get you, and we wouldn't want them to suffer just because they had a lesser surgeon,would we?”

The funny thing about pride is that it will always allow you to be manipulated, even sometimes for good purposes.