Percentage Timeout Conducted

Definition & why we measure

This measure is a WHO’s Surgical Safety Checklist initiative. It has been adopted as one of the International Patient Safety Goals standard by JCI.4,13 Timeout is conducted right before the start of a procedure with the involvement of the operating team present. They are all required to have a consensus on the following components before surgery stars: confirm accuracy of the patient’s identity, consensus on the procedure to be performed and the correct site of the operation/ procedure.

Invasive procedures and surgery are high risk processes prone to errors due to the complexity of the process and the persons involved. We monitor this measure to ensure compliance and helps identify any gaps requiring corrective action. The goal is at 100% compliance.

What are we doing to improve?

The hospital has adopted the standard as the policy with checklists in use as part of the theatre processes as a guide through the process of timeout. Additionally, we have staff trained to implement the checklist and a champion from the unit to help track compliance with the process.

Note: the higher the number the better the performance.

Reference:

  1. Keiler R, Quicho R, Jorgerson C, Pew C, Fry H.M, Harris J, Hinkley C.C. (2020). Joint Commission International Accreditation Standards for Hospitals (7th ed.). Oak Brook, Illinois, USA: Joint Commission Resources.
  2. WHO Patient Safety & World Health Organization. (2009). WHO guidelines for safe surgery 2009: safe surgery saves lives. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44185
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