Page 40 - 2022 Risk Basics - Anesthesiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Anesthesiology

Electronic Communication

Remember that all communication, regardless of when it takes

place, can be available to a plaintiff. Interoffice messaging,
tasking, and other forms of electronic communication are a

legal part of the medical record. This would include texting and
email. Many providers and staff often forget this and make

inappropriate/offensive comments that they assume will only
be seen by the intended recipient. However, in the event of a

lawsuit, as in the following case study, these electronic

communications can be reproduced and used against the
provider at trial.

CASE STUDY

A 3-year-old female was recommended for tonsillectomy
and adenoidectomy. Prior to her scheduled surgery, a

sleep study was performed, but the results were not
reviewed. The surgery took place at a local surgery center

approximately two hours from the patient’s home. There
were no obvious complications during surgery, and the

patient was moved to recovery. The patient then began

experiencing trouble maintaining her oxygen saturation
and the oral airway had to be replaced. The patient was

given Romazicon due to her extreme drowsiness. Due to
impending severe weather, the surgery center discharged

her after only thirty minutes in recovery. Significantly, the

anesthesiologist texted the surgeon immediately after the
patient’s discharge and stated, “Finally discharged Honey

Boo-Boo,” referring to the child’s obesity. During the drive
home, the child became unresponsive and died. The

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