Checklists

Checklists can be used to ensure quality and consistency when performing a procedure. Especially complex procedures can benefit from checklists.

Your checklists should serve you. If they aren't useful, adjust it or get rid of it.

Don't make your checklists into user guides. Assume that the reader knows how to do things and focus on making it a helpful tool to ensure that all steps are completed.

Two types of checklists:

• With READ-DO checklists you read the next item on the list before completing it and proceeding to the next.
• With DO-CONFIRM checklists you first perform the tasks and then go through the list to check that you didn't forget something.

External resources

• Book The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande