WHO Surgical Safety Time-Out

Surgery · OT · 10–20 min

Three-phase surgical checklist reducing perioperative errors.

Indications

  • Every surgery

Equipment

  • WHO checklist

Positioning

  • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.

Consent

  • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
  • Explain risks & complications
  • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
  • Document consent

Universal precautions

  • Hand hygiene
  • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
  • Aseptic technique
  • Sharps safety
  • Verify patient identity & site

Step-by-step (0/3)

Tap to complete

1. Sign in (before induction)

Identity, procedure, site, consent, allergies, airway/aspiration risk, blood loss risk.

2. Time out (before incision)

3. Sign out (before leaving)

Delayed complications

  • Wrong-site surgery if skipped

Prevention

  • Never skip time-out

Post-procedure observation

  • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly

Monitoring

  • Site inspection
  • Symptom review

Documentation

  • Procedure note
  • Consent
  • Findings

Patient instructions

  • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms

Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.

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WardRound

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