Time out: an analysis.

Ensuring patient safety in the OR includes performing a time out to help prevent wrong site surgery. The circulating nurse, in the role of patient advocate, usually is the OR team member who initiates the time out. A correctly performed time out includes verifying the correct patient; procedure; site (eg, organ, limb, vertebral level, laterality); surgeon; and position, as well as that proper equipment, instrumentation, and implants are available. Unacceptable time outs can be categorized as borderline, contrary, related, illegitimate, or invented cases. Health care systems should follow the Joint Commission's Universal Protocol and should have tools in place to ensure that patients will undergo correct site surgery.