Page 12 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part Two

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

A final problem with texting in the healthcare setting is that

there is often an informality or lack of professionalism in the
message communicated. This is a trap that can easily be

avoided but is often not. Let’s take a look at the following case:

C A S E S T U DY

A 13-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. She was given
Romazicon due to her extreme drowsiness. Because of
impending severe weather, the surgery center discharged

her after spending only thirty minutes in recovery.

Significantly, the anesthesiologist texted the surgeon in
the facility system’s encrypted platform immediately after
the patient’s discharge and stated, “finally discharged

Honey Boo-Boo,” referring to the child’s obesity. That text

became part of the medical record. During the drive
home, the child became unresponsive and died. The
patient’s mother filed a lawsuit against the surgeon, the

anesthesiologist, and the surgery center. The case was

settled in mediation for a large sum and the text message
referencing to the patient played a significant factor.

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