checklista

A checklista, or checklist in English, is a structured list of items or tasks that must be completed, verified, or observed as part of a process. The primary purpose is to ensure consistency, reduce omissions, and document that steps have been carried out.

A well-designed checklista uses concrete, observable items written in actionable language. Each entry should describe an outcome rather than an intention (for example, "verify that emergency exit is unobstructed" rather than "check safety"). Items can be organized sequentially or grouped by category, and they may be mandatory or optional. Digital checklists can auto-progress and log timestamps, while paper checklists rely on manual marking.

Common applications include aviation and military pre-flight or mission checklists, medical safety rounds or procedures, software release and quality assurance, construction and manufacturing, and event planning. Checklists exist as paper sheets, mobile apps, or integrated in electronic systems. They can be general purpose or tailored to specific tasks, industries, or teams.

Benefits include reduced reliance on memory, standardized workflows, and easier training and audits. Limitations include the risk of superficial compliance, excessive length, and rigidity that discourages professional judgment. Regular review and adaptation are necessary to keep a checklist effective and relevant to changing practices and technologies.

The concept has a long history, with aviation popularizing its use and medical and industrial fields expanding it. The term and practice gained broad attention after Atul Gawande's The Checklist Manifesto (2009), which argues that simple checklists can improve outcomes in complex tasks.