A checklist for timeout on labor and delivery: a pilot study to improve communication and safety.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact on staff communication of a standardized checklist for timeout for patients undergoing a trial of labor after cesarean section and/or elective induction at term.

STUDY DESIGN

A comparison of presurvey and postsurvey questionnaire results for labor and delivery personnel assessing communication before and after checklist implementation.

RESULTS

From October 2011 through March 2012, 52.9% (N=37) of 70 eligible patients had the standardized checklist for timeout performed. Prior to implementation of the checklist, 66% of respondents (48.8% of nurses, 100% of residents, 90% of attendings) slightly or strongly agreed that their opinions were heard versus 83% of respondents during the study period (73.7% of nurses, 100% of residents, 100% of attendings). Following the intervention, nurses reported that they were more likely to feel as though their opinions were heard (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a formalized obstetric timeout improved the subjective perception of communication among obstetric staff. This tool has the potential to improve patient safety in labor and delivery.