The Checklist Manifesto

"Few medical writers working today can transmit the gore-drenched terror of an operation that suddenly goes wrong—a terror that has a special resonance when it is Dr. Gawande himself who makes the initial horrifying mistake. And few can make it as clear as he can what exactly is at stake in the effort to minimize calamities."—The New York Times

"Even skeptical readers will find the evidence staggering . . . Marshaling anecdotes and analysis, he implores the medical community to use checklists more widely. He also makes the case for rethinking teamwork and leadership in hospitals. While many surgeons are autonomous rulers of the operating room, he argues that decentralizing power among nurses, anesthesiologists and other physicians increases communication and reduces error. Thoughtfully written and soundly defended, this book calls for medical professionals to improve patient care by adopting a basic, common-sense approach."—The Washington Post

"A persuasive champion of his cause."—The Economist

"Gawande deftly weaves in examples of checklist successes in diverse fields like aviation and skyscraper construction . . . Fascinating reading."—The New York Times Book Review

"This is a brilliant book about an idea so simple it sounds dumb until you hear the case for it. Atul Gawande presents an argument so strong that I challenge anyone to go away from this book unconvinced."—The Seattle Times

"Fascinating . . . presents a convincing case that adopting more checklists will surely help."—Bloomberg News

"Gawande argues convincingly and eloquently."—San Francisco Chronicle

"I read The Checklist Manifesto in one sitting yesterday, which is an amazing tribute to the book that Gawande has crafted. Not only is the book loaded with fascinating stories, but it honestly changed the way I think about the world. It is the best book I've read in ages."—Steven Levitt, author of Freakonomics

"A vivid, punchy exposition of an intriguing idea: that by-the-book routine trumps individual prowess."—Publishers Weekly