We had currently Joint Commission in our hospital and the new requirement is a house-wide time-out form. Everybody should use the same form, OR, procedure team, IR, Picc team etc.
My question is, is anyone doing it already and are you able to share the form?
Andre
To Clarify: The Joint Commission has developed what they call a Universal Protocol that needs to be followed in all areas of the hospital where procedures are performed. Part of that Universal Protocol is a Time Out. This protocol has definate features and steps that need to be included, and it needs to be "standardized throughout the hospital." This DOES NOT mean that it needs to be the same form used everywhere, just that the correct steps are being taken in every area where procedures are being done. No area is "exempt". The Joint Commision found that, for instance, if a procedure was being done at the bedside in the ICU, the Universal Protocol was not always being used. This is not acceptable. I have attached more information on the Universal Protocol standard.
Chris Cavanaugh, CRNI
Chris Cavanaugh, RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC
Joint Commission specificly told us to use one form/sheet house-wide to have a standard. You can read the Universal Protocol like you want, everything is in the view of the beholder. But, that is what they want and what they are looking for.
Andre
Chris Cavanaugh, RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC