2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8
Follow this deep-dish acronym to ensure
all the elements of the surgical safety
checklist are covered during pre-op time
outs:
A
ntibiotics Verify that prophylac-
tic antibiotics were administered
30 to 60 minutes before surgery to
decrease risk of surgical site infection.
P
atient Check the patient's name
and medical record number on
the ID wristband against what's
noted in the medical record to make sure
they match.
P
ositioning Make sure the patient
is properly positioned for the pro-
cedure. This should include con-
firming bony prominences are padded and
that the surgeon has optimal access to the
surgical site.
L
aterality Verify the correct site and
side of the surgery. For example, a
patient undergoing a right total
knee replacement in our facility will have
his right knee marked with only the sur-
geon's initials.
E
quipment Double-check that the
equipment needed for the proce-
dure is in the room and working
properly.
P
rocedure Confirm you're about to
perform the correct procedure by
making sure what's noted on the
consent form, the surgical schedule and
patient's records all match.
I
mplants Be sure the appropriate
implants — correct type and size — are
available. This includes prosthetics for
joint replacements and meshes for her-
nias.
E
veryone participates Before call-
ing a time out, verify that all mem-
bers of the surgical team are
present and that the patient is prepped and
draped. Everybody in the room must
actively participate in the last safety check
before surgery begins.
— Thereza Ayad, DNP, RN, CNOR
Patient Safety: As Easy as Apple Pie
