The Level of Competence and Compliance of the Surgical Team in Executing the Surgical Safety Checklist "Time-Out" in Selected Hospitals in Bulacan

The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist has been recognized as an effective strategy in reducing preventable surgical errors and improving patient safety. This study determined the level of competence and compliance of surgical teams in executing the Surgical Safety Checklist "Time-Out" in selected hospitals in Bulacan. Specifically, it assessed the respondents' demographic profile, levels of competence in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, level of compliance, and the relationship between competence and compliance. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 60 surgical team members selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a validated self-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist adapted from the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. Mean, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that the respondents demonstrated a high level of competence (overall mean = 3.60) and satisfactory compliance with the Time-Out procedure (mean = 1.58). A moderate, positive, and significant relationship was found between competence and compliance (r = 0.5866, p < 0.05), indicating that higher competence is associated with better compliance. Training significantly influenced both competence and compliance, while age and clinical experience were not significantly associated with either variable. The findings highlighted the importance of continuous education, competency assessment, and institutional support in sustaining safe surgical practices and improving patient outcomes.