Which of the following should be avoided to reduce the risk of retained surgical items?

Standardizing counting procedures is critical to reducing the risk of retained surgical items. Implementing a consistent protocol for counting items such as sponges, instruments, and other surgical materials helps ensure that the entire surgical team is on the same page. This uniformity minimizes the potential for miscommunication or oversight during the counting process, which is vital as it provides a systematic approach to verifying that all items are accounted for before closure.

When counting procedures are standardized, it promotes accountability and reinforces a culture of safety within the operating room. All staff members are trained in and adhere to the same counting protocols, thereby reducing variability that can lead to errors. The standardization process may include specific guidelines for when and how counts should be conducted (e.g., before and after placement of items).

In contrast, counting only at the beginning of surgery, conducting multiple counts at the same time, or using different counting methods for each surgery can introduce significant risks. For instance, counting solely at the beginning might overlook items added later, and having multiple counts simultaneously could lead to confusion and errors. Different counting methods across surgeries disrupt uniformity, making it harder for staff to follow established protocols, which would ultimately increase the risk of retained surgical items.

Thus, standardizing counting procedures is