The effectiveness of radiofrequency scanning technology in preventing retained surgical items: An integrative review

Aims and objectives: To synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) scanning technology as an adjunct to manual counting protocols in preventing retained surgical items (RSIs) in the operating room.

Background: Despite the implementation of rigorous manual counting protocols, RSIs remain one of the most common reported sentinel events in operating theatres that lead to adverse patient outcomes.

Design: An integrative review.

Methods: This review was guided by the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework. A literature search using CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, and Scopus with key search terms related to RSIs and RF was applied to select English articles from January 2011 till August 2021. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was utilised for study quality assessment while reporting of review was guided using the PRISMA checklist.

Results: A total of 15 peer-reviewed articles were included, enabling the knowledge on the RF scanning technology to be grouped into four themes, namely: detection accuracy of RF scanning technology, real-time detection of surgical items using RF identification, the impact of the RF scanning technology for detecting RSIs on patient safety, and cost-analysis of integrating the RF scanning technology in operating theatres.

Conclusion: Radiofrequency scanning technology is effective in preventing RSIs with significant cost-savings. Perioperative leaders should develop a multidisciplinary process to evaluate and select the most appropriate RF scanning technology as part of their patient safety programs. However, future studies with a larger sample size and robust research design, such as randomised controlled trial, should be considered to enhance the generalisability and rigour of evidence.

Relevance to clinical practice: This review contributes to perioperative personnel's education/training of staff on using RF scanning technology to prevent RSIs. The cost-effectiveness analysis enables the healthcare leaders to decide on the selection of appropriate RF technology.