BACKGROUND: The PCS, through a memorandum of understanding with the WHO, DOH and the PHIC, was tasked as the lead professional organization for the implementation of the patient safety in surgery program of the WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety in Surgery in the Philippines in September 12, 2008. A prospective study was conducted to present the results of the initial implementation of the WHO Safe Surgery Checklist in selected hospitals throughout the Philippines.

METHODS: Training Workshops for personnel of participating hospitals were conducted during the 2009 PCS Annual Clinical Congress and the 2009 PCS Midyear Convention and standard data collection forms and guidelines were disseminated thru the 11 PCS chapters to gather data.

RESULTS: Forty hospitals participated with a total of 44,539 major operations performed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Check utilization rates ranged from 0.15%-3.6% and death rates ranged from 0.38%-2.3%. Highest complication and death rates were noted in hospitals with lower checklist utilization rates. Despite repeated training of personnel, variable rates of checklist utilization were observed. Lack of awareness and orientation were cited as common reasons for non-utilization of the checklist while hospitals with high utilization rates cited involvement and commitment of higher administration and the presence of a training environment as crucial to implementation of the checklist.