How to do a time-out before a procedure
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
The time-out is the last check before a procedure starts. It is part of the Joint Commission Universal Protocol to prevent wrong-patient, wrong-site and wrong-procedure errors.
Step by step
Time it right
Do the time-out right before the incision or procedure starts, after the patient is positioned and draped. [1]
Stop all activity
Everyone stops work and gives full attention. One person leads. [1]
Confirm the patient
Confirm identity with two identifiers against the consent and orders. [1]
Confirm procedure and site
State the procedure, the site and the side. Check that the site mark is visible. [1]
Check other items
Confirm correct position, allergies, needed equipment, implants and antibiotics if relevant. [1]
Invite concerns
Every team member can speak up. Any doubt stops the procedure until it is resolved. [1]
Document the care
Record that the time-out was done and who took part. [1]
Common errors
- Doing the time-out while people keep working.
- Starting before the site mark is confirmed.
- Ignoring a team member who raises a concern.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow The Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.