Jenny Dankelman

Bio: Jenny Dankelman is an academic researcher from Delft University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Surgical team & Patient safety. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 43 publications receiving 530 citations.

Problems with technical equipment during laparoscopic surgery. An observational study.

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the incidence of technical equipment problems during laparoscopic procedures. A video-capturing system was used, consisting of an analog video recorder with three camera image inputs and a microphone. Problems with all technical equipment used by the surgical team, such as the insufflator, diathermy apparatus, monitors, light source, camera and camera unit, endoscope, suction devices, and instruments, were registered. In total, 30 procedures were randomly videotaped. In 87% (26/30) of the procedures, one or more incidents with technical equipment (49 incidents) or instruments (9 incidents) occurred. In 22 of those incidents (45%) the technical equipment was not correctly positioned or not present at all; in the other 27 (55%), the equipment malfunctioned as a result of a faulty connection (9), a defect (5), or the wrong setting of the equipment (3). In 10 (20%) cases the exact cause of equipment malfunctioning was unclear. The incidence of problems with laparoscopic technical equipment is high. To prevent such problems, improvement and standardization of equipment is needed, combined with the incorporation of checklist use before the start of a surgical procedure. Future research should be aimed at development, implementation, and evaluation of these measures into the operating room.

Systems approach to reduce errors in surgery

Abstract: Reducing the number of medical errors significantly is the challenge for the coming decade. In medicine and in surgery, in particular, errors are traditionally treated as being committed by individuals. To reduce human errors, two approaches can be used: the person approach and the systems approach. In the systems approach, the operator is not blamed, but the system is analyzed in order to find the causes of errors. Furthermore, defenses are built into the system so that errors will not result in an adverse outcome anymore. This article aims to provide insight into the systems approach.

Indicating shortcomings in surgical lighting systems

Abstract: Ergonomic problems of surgical lighting systems have been indicated by surgeons; however, the underlying causes are not clear. The aim of this study is to assess the problems in detail. Luminaire use during 46 hours of surgery was observed and quantified. Furthermore, a questionnaire on perceived illumination of and usability problems with surgical luminaires was issued among OR-staff in 13 hospitals. The results showed that every 7.5 minutes a luminaire action (LA) takes place, intended to reposition the luminaire. Of these LAs, 74% were performed by surgeons and residents. For 64% of these LAs the surgical tasks of the OR-staff were interrupted. The amount of LAs to obtain a well-lit wound, the illumination level, shadows, and the illumination of deep wounds were most frequently indicated lighting aspects needing improvement. Different kinematic aspects of the pendant system of the lights that influence usability were also mentioned: High forces for repositioning, ease of focusing and aiming, ease of moving, collisions of the luminaire, entangling of pendant arms, and maneuverability. Based on these results conclusions regarding the improvement of surgical lighting systems are formulated. Focus for improvements should be on minimizing the need for repositioning the luminaire, and on minimizing the effort for repositioning.

Implications of the law on video recording in clinical practice

Abstract: Background Technological developments allow for a variety of applications of video recording in health care, including endoscopic procedures. Although the value of video registration is recognized, medicolegal concerns regarding the privacy of patients and professionals are growing. A clear understanding of the legal framework is lacking. Therefore, this research aims to provide insight into the juridical position of patients and professionals regarding video recording in health care practice. Methods Jurisprudence was searched to exemplify legislation on video recording in health care. In addition, legislation was translated for different applications of video in health care found in the literature. Results Three principles in Western law are relevant for video recording in health care practice: (1) regulations on privacy regarding personal data, which apply to the gathering and processing of video data in health care settings; (2) the patient record, in which video data can be stored; and (3) professional secrecy, which protects the privacy of patients including video data. Practical implementation of these principles in video recording in health care does not exist. Conclusion Practical regulations on video recording in health care for different specifically defined purposes are needed. Innovations in video capture technology that enable video data to be made anonymous automatically can contribute to protection for the privacy of all the people involved.

The incidence and nature of in-hospital adverse events: a systematic review

Abstract: Introduction: Adverse events in hospitals constitute a serious problem with grave consequences. Many studies have been conducted to gain an insight into this problem, but a general overview of the data is lacking. We performed a systematic review of the literature on inhospital adverse events. Methods: A formal search of Embase, Cochrane and Medline was performed. Studies were reviewed independently for methodology, inclusion and exclusion criteria and endpoints. Primary endpoints were incidence of in-hospital adverse events and percentage of preventability. Secondary endpoints were adverse event outcome and subdivision by provider of care, location and type of event. Results: Eight studies including a total of 74 485 patient records were selected. The median overall incidence of inhospital adverse events was 9.2%, with a median percentage of preventability of 43.5%. More than half (56.3%) of patients experienced no or minor disability, whereas 7.4% of events were lethal. Operation- (39.6%) and medication-related (15.1%) events constituted the majority. We present a summary of evidence-based interventions aimed at these categories of events. Conclusions: Adverse events during hospital admission affect nearly one out of 10 patients. A substantial part of these events are preventable. Since a large proportion of the in-hospital events are operation- or drug-related, interventions aimed at preventing these events have the potential to make a substantial difference.

Development and validation of the SURgical PAtient Safety System (SURPASS) checklist

Abstract: Introduction: A large number of preventable adverse events are encountered during hospital admission and in particular around surgical procedures. Checklists may well be effective in surgery to prevent errors and adverse events. We developed, validated and evaluated a SURgical PAtient Safety System (SURPASS) checklist. Methods: A prototype checklist was constructed based on literature on surgical errors and adverse events, and on human-factors literature. The items on the theory-based checklist were validated by comparison with process deviations (safety risk events) during real-time observation of the surgical pathway. Subsequently, the usability of the checklist was evaluated in daily clinical practice. Results: The multidisciplinary SURPASS checklist accompanies the patient during each step of the surgical pathway and is completed by different members of the team. During 171 high-risk surgical procedures, 593 process deviations were observed. Of the deviations suitable for coverage by a checklist, 96% corresponded to an item on the checklist. Users were generally positive about the checklist, but a number of logistic improvements were suggested. Conclusion: The SURPASS checklist covers the vast majority of process deviations suitable for checklist assessment and can be applied in clinical practice relatively simply. SURPASS is the first validated patient safety checklist for the entire surgical pathway.