Final answer:
The 'Time out' is the code entered before beginning surgery to ensure all details are verified. It includes confirming the patient's identity, surgical site, procedure, and a review of critical concerns for the patient's care, significantly reducing the risk of complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The code entered after a patient is prepared for surgery is known as a 'Time out'. This crucial step involves the surgical team collectively pausing to verify key details before the commencement of the procedure. Per established protocol, this includes confirming the patient's identity, the correct surgical site and procedure, and reviewing any critical or unexpected steps as well as potential concerns regarding the patient's recovery and care.
Moreover, elements such as ensuring that prophylactic antibiotics were administered within 60 minutes before making an incision and verifying the availability of the necessary imaging results in the operating room are encompassed in this process. The 'Time out' is a vital part of the surgical safety checklist developed by experts like Dr. Gawande, leading to a significant decrease in postsurgical complications and deaths across various hospitals.