Surgical checklist story disturbing for several reasons

If you haven't seen this story yet, take a few moments and give it a read. Apparently, having surgeons go over a routine checklist prior to operating on a patient can 'cut complications by a third'. Here's a quote that appeared in the Globe and Mail from Dr. Bryce Taylor, surgeon-in-chief and director of surgical services for the University Health Network:

"I would not undergo surgery unless I knew the checklist was being done."

Is it just me, or did anyone else just assume that this had been happening all along? I mean, it's kind of uncool to realize that your typical grocery shopper is approaching their task with more foresight and strategy than someone who's getting ready to do a heart/double lung transplant. I think the media has missed the boat on this story and judging by many of the comments left by readers, I'm not alone.