Page 23 - Part 1 Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

SVMIC Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

CASE STUDY

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. The patient 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 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 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.

It must be remembered that inter-office 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 or
offensive comments that they assume will only be seen by the

intended recipient. However, in the event of a lawsuit, as the case

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