Annual Laser Safety Inservice Training Checkoffs: Examining Standard Operating Procedures for Quality Assurance

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured laser safety training program and standardized competency checkoffs for physicians and physician extenders using lasers and other light-based devices in an academic plastic surgery department. Materials and Methods: Standard operating procedure checklists were developed for two commonly used devices in our practice: an intense pulsed light (IPL) device and a 532/1064-nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Ten participants, including three estheticians, one aesthetic surgery fellow, and six chief plastic surgery residents, underwent an in-person training demonstration followed by two competency checkoffs. Successful completion rates were recorded and analyzed. Results: For the IPL device, average correct completion rates improved from 89.23% to 100% (p = 0.007) across all participants. For the Nd:YAG laser, rates improved from 90% to 98.57% (p = 0.009). The residents and fellow exhibited a greater mean improvement from the initial to follow-up checkoff compared to the estheticians for both devices: 15.61% versus 8.33% for the IPL device and 13.65% versus 2.56% for the 532/1064-nm Nd:YAG laser. Conclusion: A formalized, hands-on laser safety training session coupled with device-specific safety checklists significantly enhances both procedural competency and adherence to safety protocols, supporting such integration into departmental training. These tools not only improve technical skill but also bolsters confidence while promoting patient safety. Adoption of such checklist-based training initiatives across practices that utilize lasers and other light-based devices may help standardize care and reduce laser-related complications.