The Checklist Manifesto

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul  Gawande, Picador, 2011. 

Errors of Omission

In the current practice of medicine, the goal of avoiding errors of omission (forgetting to do things) is addressed in an informal and ad-hoc way. The author suggests that medicine adopt a different method for avoiding errors of omission: the checklist. He describes how some early adopters have used checklists in medicine and achieved substantially lowering of error rates. The checklist helps empower nurses to speak up when they see the surgeon making a mistake. 

Aviation and Construction

The author discusses how checklists have been used to advantage in aviation and building construction. He also discusses how checklists are made. Actions that are never forgotten don’t need to be included in the checklists. There is a substantial reduction in complications when checklists are used. Improving communication between team members is an important part of the checklist.

Surgery

Gawande describes the development of a safe surgery checklist for the World Health Organization.