How often should surgical site verification occur prior to surgery according to NPSGs?

Surgical site verification is a critical step in ensuring patient safety and preventing errors such as wrong-site surgeries. According to the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs), this verification should occur immediately before the start of the surgical procedure. This timing allows for the most accurate confirmation of the patient's identity, the correct surgical site, and the planned procedure. It serves as a final check to ensure that all team members are aligned and aware of the surgical plan, significantly reducing the risk of potentially life-threatening mistakes.

The emphasis on conducting this verification at the point right before surgery ensures that any last-minute changes or corrections to the surgical plan can be addressed. It also reinforces the importance of communication among the surgical team, which is vital for patient safety. In essence, this practice acts as a safeguard, ensuring that everything is in order and correct at the moment just prior to surgery when final decisions are being made and preparation is underway.