Page 54 - Part 2 Anesthesiology Common Risk Issues

SVMIC Anesthesiology: Common Risk Issues

should be continued. In the event that maternal circulation is

not reinstated within four minutes, the obstetrics team should
perform a cesarean delivery. More information on management

of cardiac arrest in maternal patients can be found at the
Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. 19

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 the

patient and family members. Communication, education, and
compassion should be exercised in all interactions and will go a

long way in establishing trust and preventing claims from being
asserted.

As an additional resource, SVMIC has included an
Anesthesiology Self-Assessment with your course materials.

19 The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology consensus statement on the management of
cardiac arrest in pregnancy: (Lipman S, Cohen S, Einav S, Jeejeebhoy F, Mhyre JM, Morrison LJ, Katz
V, Tsen LC, Daniels K, Halamek LP, Suresh MS, Arafeh J, Gauthier D, Carvalho JC, Druzin M, Carvalho
B;. Anesth Analg 2014; 118:1003.)

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