When is the "Time Out" called in a surgical procedure?

The "Time Out" is a critical safety protocol that is called before the initial incision is made during a surgical procedure. This step is performed to ensure that all members of the surgical team confirm the identity of the patient, the procedure to be performed, and the specific location on the body where the surgery will take place.

By conducting the "Time Out" before any surgical intervention begins, the team minimizes the risk of errors such as wrong-site surgery and ensures that everyone is aligned on the surgical plan. It is a moment of pause for confirmation and communication, serving as an important safeguard in promoting patient safety and quality care.

Calling the "Time Out" at any other stage, such as after the incision, before anesthesia, or during wound closure, would compromise the opportunity to verify essential information before actual surgical work begins. This practice is widely recognized as a standard in operating rooms to enhance safety and accountability among surgical personnel.