Page 40 - Part 1 Anesthesiology Common Risk Issues

SVMIC Anesthesiology: Common Risk Issues

Electronic Communication

Remember that all communication, regardless of when it takes
place, can be available to a plaintiff. Inter-office messaging,

tasking, and other forms of electronic communication are a
legal part of the medical record. This would include texting

and e-mail. 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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