What is the purpose of the time-out procedure before starting medical procedures?

The time-out procedure is a critical safety measure taken immediately before starting any medical procedure, designed specifically to promote patient safety. Its primary purpose is to allow the surgical team to confirm key details, including the correct patient, the intended procedure, and the correct site on the patient's body where the procedure will be performed. This verification process helps to prevent errors such as wrong-site surgery, incorrect procedures, and patient misidentification.

By emphasizing the importance of communication and verification, the time-out procedure fosters a culture of safety within the healthcare environment, ensuring that everyone involved in the procedure is aligned and aware of the task at hand. This collective confirmation helps mitigate risks and enhances the overall quality of patient care.