What does the Joint Commission Universal Protocol consist of?

The Joint Commission Universal Protocol is a vital framework aimed at preventing wrong site, wrong procedure, and wrong person surgery. It consists of three key components: preoperative verification, surgical site marking, and the Time Out process.

Preoperative verification ensures that all necessary documentation, patient identity, planned procedures, and surgical sites are confirmed before the procedure begins. This step is crucial in preventing any misunderstandings or errors related to what is supposed to be done.

Surgical site marking involves clearly marking the intended surgical site on the patient, which serves as a visual reference for the entire surgical team and is an essential part of confirming the correct location for the surgery.

The Time Out is a critical moment immediately before the procedure begins where the surgical team has the opportunity to come together to confirm patient identity, the procedure, and the site once again. This collaborative verification step is essential in fostering communication and reducing errors.

Together, these components of the Universal Protocol create a comprehensive safety strategy that enhances patient safety and ensures that surgeries are performed correctly and as intended.