Communication That Prevents Harm

In practice

Here are the moves the textbooks describe, in the order a case uses them. First, at the time out each team member introduces themself and their role, so everyone knows who is in the room. Second, concerns about the patient, such as allergies, are said aloud rather than assumed to be known. Third, during the case the whole team keeps the same understanding of the surgical plan, so a change reaches the scrub person, the circulator and anesthesia together. Fourth, distractions are kept down at critical moments such as the time out. Fifth, at the end, the team confirms what was done and what the patient needs next.