The impact of quality managnt on reducing electrocautery burn

Electrocautery is a very important tool in surgery. Electrocautery burn is a common side effect of operation surgeries. Quality management is a useful strategy for improving the quality and safety of hospital services. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of quality management on reducing electrocautery burns. 

A participatory action research was conducted in the operating theatre of a hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2013 and 2014. A quality improvement team was established in the hospital operating theatre. The quality improvement team using an 8-step quality management model, standardized working processes, identified quality goals for the processes and improved them until achieved the quality goals. Data on electrocautery burns was collected before and after the intervention and compared. 

Electrocautery burn rate was 0.40% in 2012. A wet patient due to sweating or washing during the surgery, in-appropriate patient position, faulty earth well, faulty anti-static mattress and long usage of electrocautery devices were the main reasons of electrocautery burn injuries. Accordingly an action plan was developed and implemented for preventing and reducing electrocautery burns. Consequently, electrocautery burn rate was reduced to 0.21% and 0.02% in 2013 and 2014. Electrocautery burn was significantly reduced by 95% in two years. 

Electrocautery burns can be easily prevented using the quality management strategy. Implementing an appropriate quality management model appropriately in a supportive environment enhances the safety of hospital services.