What it means
In surgery and other invasive procedures, the time-out happens right before the start. All team members stop what they are doing and agree on the client's identity, the procedure, the correct site and side, and other key checks. It is part of the Joint Commission's Universal Protocol and the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. In child care and mental health, a time-out is a short, calm break away from activity used to help a child settle behavior.
For the nurse
Everyone takes part in the time-out, and anyone who sees a problem must speak up; the procedure does not start until it is resolved.
At a glance
| Also written | surgical time-out, surgical time out |
|---|
Related terms
informed consent
A person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
perioperative
Relating to the whole time around a surgery: before, during and after it.