Unintended Retention of Foreign Objects
The Unintended Retention of Foreign Object (URFO) incidents refer to any foreign object unintentionally being left inside a surgery patient post-procedure. In such instances, victims often suffer both physical and emotional distress, with worst-case scenarios resulting in death. URFOs were determined by the Joint Commission to be the third most preventable medical error in 2023. More specifically, this phenomenon is a Sentinel Event, or an event that puts patients at risk of death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm. Here is what you need to know about this ongoing problem.
Common URFOs and How They Occur
The most frequent objects left behind after a surgical procedure include soft goods, small miscellaneous items, needles and other sharps, and instruments, reports The Joint Commission. However, this occurrence is entirely preventable.
The main causes of URFO incidents appear to be rooted in issues related to organizational behavior, such as the absence of policies and procedures and failure in communication with physicians.
One of the most common items seen in these cases are surgical sponges, according to an article by Dr. Arnold Mackles. The unintended retention of sponges has traditionally been prevented by manual counting protocols, yet this method is heavily subject to human error with a 10-15% error rate. How can this problem be corrected?
Preventing URFOs
According to the Joint Commission, the following are strategies to combat these complications:
- Standardize The Count Process
- Team Communication
- Tools
- Radiology
- Reporting
In the sponge case, a proper counting protocol with specific and explicit instructions was created. Such procedures include the count being audibly and visibly performed by two persons engaged in the process at multiple times throughout the operation.
Another vital aspect of URFO prevention is effective communication. One suggestion is for surgeons to remind their team that the patient is at risk of the phenomenon, and to promote awareness by using a white board to keep track of the count during the procedure. Additionally, team members should be encouraged to raise any concerns about the procedure or the patient’s recovery to ensure open discussion and overcome hierarchical barriers to communication, reports the Joint Commission.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
The unintended retention of a foreign object can harm its victim more than physically – it also adds a financial burden. When accounting for surgical and legal costs, caring for an URFO can total to approximately $166,000. However, the estimated medical and liability costs are $200,000 or more per incident.
The attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have recovered over $2.5 billion on behalf of their deserving clients, including more than 350 case results exceeding $1 million. Throughout the past four decades, our attorneys have successfully won many medical malpractice verdicts, including verdicts of $32,747,000 and $29,100,000.
Have you suffered an adverse medical outcome because of the unintended retention of a foreign object? If so, you need an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to help you seek the fair compensation you deserve. Contact the team at Salvi Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today to get started with your free consultation.
