Patients who go to the hospital for treatments and procedures count on the medical team to handle their case properly. Unfortunately, procedures like surgeries don’t always go as planned. While it’s not common, there are times when the procedure is done on the wrong patient or the wrong body part.
Because of the risk of this type of “never event,” hospitals have specific protocols in place. One of these is having the medical care team take a time-out before the procedure or surgery.
What is a time-out before a hospital procedure?
A time-out protocol is a patient safety step that gives the entire care team a chance to confirm they have the right patient and are doing the right procedure on the right site. When this is done properly, the pause can prevent potential issues from occurring.
A proper time-out procedure happens with the full care team and the patient. Team members should stop all other tasks and communicate clearly. Each team member should identify themselves and their role in the procedure. The patient should confirm their name, procedure and location.
Some time-outs also include other steps. This is when a patient may sign consent forms. The team may go over imaging, place site markings and discuss allergies. Other patient risks and factors related to the procedure, such as what implants or equipment will be used, may also be discussed.
Time-outs should never be skipped. Skipping these important steps increases the chance of a never event occurring. Patients who are victims of never events often face significant medical challenges. Some may have a fatal result.
When a patient learns they were the victim of a never event, they may opt to pursue a claim for compensation. A fatal never event may lead to a family taking legal action. This is a serious legal matter that can be complex. Working with someone who can assist with proving what happened may reduce the stress and allow the patient to focus on their recovery or the family to heal from their loss.