What is the role of the surgical team in ensuring the compliance with the Universal Protocol?

• A. To administer anesthesia
• B. To verify surgical site and procedure before the operation
• C. To handle surgical instruments only
• D. To focus solely on patient recovery

Answer: (B)

The role of the surgical team in ensuring compliance with the Universal Protocol is fundamentally centered on verifying the surgical site and procedure before the operation. This verification process is critical as it helps to prevent errors such as wrong-site surgeries, wrong procedures, or wrong patients, which are serious safety concerns in the perioperative environment.

The Universal Protocol outlines a systematic approach that includes three key steps: pre-procedure verification, marking the operative site, and conducting a time-out immediately before starting the procedure. By confirming the details of the surgery—including the correct surgical site, the specific procedure being performed, and the identity of the patient—the surgical team significantly enhances patient safety and contributes to overall quality of care.

Having a clear and agreed-upon confirmation process also fosters effective communication among team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the surgical plan. This collaborative approach is an essential element of modern surgical practice aimed at minimizing risks and optimizing patient outcomes.