Safety lessons from aviation for surgery

In 2008, approximately two million people underwent surgery in the Netherlands. Surgery involves activities between humans, and between humans and specialized medical equipment in a specialized room, the Operating Room (OR). Human performance introduces errors in the OR. The advances in high-tech technology and the increased complexity of surgical procedures, contribute to an increase in medical errors rates, which could have consequences for the patient. These consequences range from minor harm to death, and also contribute to a rise in healthcare costs.