Enhancing surgical safety using digital multimedia technology.

In this study, researchers developed a system for surgical time-outs where scanning a patient's wristband launches a presentation on the operating room monitor, which includes a video of the patient stating his or her name, date of birth, surgical procedure, and operative laterality. Although these took longer than standard timeouts (79 seconds versus 49 seconds), 87% of operating room personnel preferred the digital version, and performance of key safety elements significantly improved.