Which of the following is a critical step in ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures?

Conducting a preoperative checklist is a critical step in ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures because it serves multiple essential purposes. This checklist helps to confirm that all necessary preparations have been completed before the surgery begins. It typically includes verifying the patient's identity, the surgical site, the procedure to be performed, and the availability of all the required surgical instruments and equipment.

Additionally, the checklist can address any outstanding concerns or issues, such as allergies or preoperative medications, ensuring that all members of the surgical team are informed and aligned. This systematic approach reduces the risk of errors or omissions, substantially enhancing patient safety and minimizing the potential for adverse outcomes during surgery.

The other options do not contribute effectively to patient safety in this context. For instance, obtaining consent should take place before the procedure begins and not after, while verifying insurance is more linked to administrative aspects than direct patient safety.