What is one principle of the Universal Protocol?

The principle of the Universal Protocol emphasizes that wrong-site surgery can be prevented. This protocol is designed to enhance patient safety by ensuring that the correct patient, procedure, and site are identified before any surgery takes place. It outlines a series of specific steps that healthcare teams must follow, including pre-procedure verification, marking the surgical site, and conducting a time-out before the procedure begins to confirm these details with all members of the surgical team. This structured approach aims to eliminate the risk of errors related to incorrect site or procedure, making patient safety the central focus.

The other options do not align with the goals of the Universal Protocol. The protocol prioritizes safety foremost, ensuring that patient comfort is considered only after verifying safety measures. There are no allowances for exceptions based on a surgeon's experience, as this could introduce risk. Additionally, the Universal Protocol involves the entire surgical team, not just focusing on one segment, to ensure comprehensive communication and verification processes are in place.