Patient Safety Update
Reminder: Pause for Safety Before Every Procedure
The Safety Pause isn’t just protocol in the Operating Room. It applies to every invasive procedure, including those performed at the bedside and in outpatient settings, as well as the OR. The operating clinician is responsible for conducting the pause immediately prior to incision or beginning the procedure after the patient is prepped and draped.
During the pause, the entire team must confirm the following:
Correct patient identity using two identifiers
Correct side and site
Procedure about to take place
Correct patient position
Availability of correct equipment, implants, and any special requirements
Site marked, if appropriate
If you are using moderate sedation for a procedure, document the safety pause on the IVCS form. For central line insertion, the Central Line Insertion Observation Checklist captures documentation of the safety pause. If you are performing any other invasive beside procedure, document the pause on the Bedside Procedure Note. Forms can be found on each pod near the consent forms. Ask the unit coordinator if you need help finding them. In the OR, the pause is captured electronically.
Contact Alex Ferraro, consultant for Patient Safety, at aferraro@partners.org with questions.