Page 73 - 2022 Risk Basics - Anesthesiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Anesthesiology

Distractions related to clinical care (e.g., answering team

member questions or responding to surgical equipment
alarms) versus distractions unrelated to clinical care (e.g.,

making personal phone calls, sending personal text messages,

checking social media sites, or playing games) are important
distinctions.

Several healthcare organizations have developed guidelines on

the use of new technologies and a number of professional
organizations, such as the American College of Surgery and
30
the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, have issued

position statements regarding the use of mobile devices.
31

Conclusion

Anesthesia is a highly sophisticated medical specialty. Yet, the

primary factors that cause or contribute to the indefensibility of
an anesthesia-related medical malpractice claim are no

different than any other area of medical practice:

documentation and communication. These factors are within
the control of the practitioner. While there have been

tremendous advances in science and medicine to improve
patient safety over the last three decades, these advances are

only effective if the anesthesia practitioner implements them in
an accurate and consistent manner. Well-developed forms,

checklists, and protocols can be highly effective to reduce the

chance of medical error and improve the defensibility of claims.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind the fears and anxiety of

30 http://bulletin.facs.org/2016/10/statement-on-distractions-in-the-operating-room/
31 https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com-web-documents-(all)/mobile-
information-technology. pdf?sfvrsn=610049b1_2

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