Time Out Procedures

[Jane1988]

Our small OR consists of orthopedic and ENT doctors. Our staff complies very well with hospital and JACHO policies regarding time out. However, our doctors may attempt to start the case without aknowledging the time out.

Also, who is in charge of annoucing the time out? The circulator may announce "time out", however most of the time the CRNA does the time out.

We attempt to wait until past prepping before starting "time out", but we usually announce before drapping. This insure everyone is in the room - if it is a case the doctor wants to drape.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Usually it's the circulator that reads it, sometimes the anesthesiologist.

We fill out incident reports for the docs that make an incision before the time out.

[Red Kroovy]

See if this doesn't help out

http://www.aorn.org/about/positions/pdf/Final%20PS%20on%20Correct%20Site%20Surgery.pdf

[hondurena]

Red, that web info was awesome---- i'm in OR orientation and will be learning throughout my career as a nurse

thank you

[mcmike55]

We've been doing time outs for some time, a little ahead of the pack I like to think.

When we started it, a couple docs got right on board, a few others we drug along for the ride, until they got it,,,,others, just made fun of us and made life miserable for a while,,,,guess what, these same docs will sometimes lead the time out, or remind us to call it.

Usually the circulator calls it, but prettly much any team member can start it.

As far as starting without calling it,,,,try making an incision without a bovie or a knife!!!!:chuckle

Keep it up,,,,it's important!! Mike

[shudokan-RN]

we do not prep or drape without a time out.

surgeon needs to be in the room for time out, positioning,and to make sure all toys he wants are there

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

As far as starting without calling it,,,,try making an incision without a bovie or a knife!!!!

I don't put up either of those (or the scissors) until the time out happens.