What is the purpose of the surgical time-out?

• A. To assess patient comfort levels
• B. To confirm patient identity, surgical procedure, and site to prevent errors
• C. To review the surgical team's qualifications
• D. To prepare the post-operative care plan

Answer: (B)

The surgical time-out is a critical safety procedure performed immediately before the start of a surgical operation. Its primary purpose is to confirm patient identity, the specific surgical procedure to be performed, and the correct surgical site. This process serves as a final check to prevent potential errors, such as performing surgery on the wrong patient, wrong procedure, or wrong site, which can result in serious harm to patients.

This practice is grounded in the principles of patient safety and quality care, emphasizing communication and verification among the surgical team. During the time-out, all members of the surgical team take a moment to pause and confirm these crucial details, ensuring that everyone is aligned and aware of the plan before proceeding with the surgery. This collaborative verification helps reduce risks and enhances the overall safety of the surgical practice.