What can you do if a timeout has been verified?

When a timeout has been verified, adding comments and re-verifying is the appropriate action to take. This process ensures that any additional findings, clarifications, or adjustments can be documented and communicated effectively. It emphasizes the importance of thorough verification in patient safety protocols, as the timeout is a critical step where the surgical team confirms essential details, such as patient identity, surgical site, and procedure to be performed. By adding comments, teams can note any concerns or instructions, ensuring that everyone is on the same page before proceeding. Re-verification reinforces the integrity of the timeout process, enhancing communication and safety in surgical settings.

In this context, direct editing of the timeout or creating a new one may not adhere to procedural guidelines, as the verified timeout serves as an official record that should not be altered casually. Requesting a supervisor to change it may also disrupt the verification process and dilute the shared responsibility for safety among the surgical team members. Therefore, the action of documenting comments and re-verifying upholds the intent of the timeout protocol and prioritizes patient safety.