patient safety & quality
patient safety & quality
By Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum , BA , AA , CHL , CRCST
Ensuring Patient Safety in the Operating Room : A Focus for Healthcare Professionals
In the quick-paced setting of the operating room ( OR ), healthcare providers , particularly certified registered nurse anesthetists ( CRNAs ) must prioritize patient safety above all else . Despite the allure of entertainment options like streaming platforms and social media on cell phones and tablets , it is vital to recognize the risks associated with using them during procedures .
The Risks of Entertainment Distractions in Surgery
Engaging with movies or social media on a cell phone while in the OR can detract from the tasks at hand . CRNAs must maintain their focus and vigilance during procedures to guarantee their patients safety and well-being . Distractions such as cellphone use can heighten the likelihood of mistakes and negative outcomes .
Distracted CRNAs : Threats to Patient Safety The perils linked to cellphone usage in surgery are genuine and could potentially imperil patient results . CRNAs play a role in monitoring vital signs , administering anesthesia , and creating a secure surgical environment . Minor distractions , including cellphone usage , can disrupt the careful balance of care and compromise patient safety .
Medical errors are estimated to be a contributor to more than 250,000 deaths annually in the United States ranking it as the third leading cause of death . To ensure safety and provide optimal care CRNAs must remain vigilant and focused ( Jaklevic , 2023 ).
In a case from 2011 , there was a situation where a Texas anesthesiologist was accused of sending text messages and emails while keeping an eye on a patient . The patient experienced a decrease in oxygen levels . The anesthesiologist reportedly failed to detect it for nearly 20 minutes , leading to the patient ’ s death during surgery . The patient ’ s family members filed a lawsuit against the anesthesiologist . The matter was resolved through settlement before reaching trial ( Luthra , 2015 ).
Hospitals that have staff members like nurses , OR technicians and other healthcare providers who are not fully focused on their jobs , may find themselves facing action under the concept of respondeat superior where employers are held responsible for their employees ’ mistakes ( Rutledge , 2024 ).
Almost everyone on the healthcare team is vulnerable to distractions caused by technology , including doctors , nurses , technicians , interns and residents . Peter J . Papadakos , MD , an expert in anesthesiology , neurology and neurological surgery who serves as the director of critical care at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York , is well known for his expertise in the issue of “ distracted doctoring .” ( Rutledge , 2024 ). As Papadakos says , “ You walk around the hospital , and what you see is not funny . My gut feeling is that lives are in danger . Everybody ’ s addicted to their gizmos .”
Emphasizing Patient Safety
Despite the temptation of watching entertainment on smartphones , it is crucial for CRNAs and all surgical staff to resist distractions during surgeries . Prioritizing patient safety over essential activities like cell phone use is paramount . More facilities should have policies and processes in place for cell phones , tablets or any electronic devices used during surgical cases or when any patient care and contact is occurring . Many facilities preach patient safety and putting patients at the forefront of healthcare ; however , lack of enforcement or outlining the proper place and time for the use of electronics is lacking .
In one facility in which I consulted , staff members were prohibited from having any electronic devices outside of any department . Electronic devices were prohibited in patient-care areas unless they were vital to patient care . This was strictly enforced , and during my time there , I never saw one smart phone or tablet . Staff members were more engaged and aware of their surroundings and actively communicating with each other , patients and visitors .
Guidelines for Responsible Cell Phone Use in the Operating Room
To uphold safety and concentration levels during procedures , surgical staff should adhere to these recommendations :
• Switch off cell phones upon entering the operating room to prevent disruptions .
• Use cell phones for emergencies ; reserve activities like social media or video watching for designated breaks .
• Delegate communication management to a team member , in case of calls or messages allowing you to focus on patient care .
• Be mindful and alert ; keep aware of the situation and stay fully involved in the task at hand .
In summary , CRNAs and all surgical staff have a role in safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of patients during surgeries . Despite the temptation to use phones for entertainment in the operating room it is vital to prioritize patient safety above all else . By maintaining focus , avoiding distractions and being highly attentive , CRNAs and others can deliver top-notch care , thereby reducing the chances of medical errors .
By prioritizing safety and staying vigilant throughout procedures , CRNAs and other OR personnel can achieve optimal outcomes for their patients while upholding professionalism and excellence in healthcare . facilities . It is imperative for healthcare professionals to remain alert and focused consistently to prevent mistakes and ensure good outcomes for their patients . This article is not intended to punch down on CRNAs specifically ; however , CRNAs are the chiefs of the operating room who oversee the patient before , during , and after the procedure , therefore they must lead by example and speak out against bad practice including monitoring techs , circulators and everyone involved in patient care in the operating room suite .
Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum , BA , AA , CHL , CRCST , is an independent consultant and principal of Ketchum Konsulting , LLC .
References :
Bieber C . ( 2023 , June 27 ). What is Respondeat superior ? Forbes Advisor . https :// www . forbes . com / advisor / legal / personal-injury / respondeat-superior /
Jaklevic MC . Medical errors are the third leading cause of death ’ and other statistics you should question . Association of Health Care Journalists . Nov . 8 , 2023 . https :// healthjournalism . org / blog / 2023 / 07 / medical-errors-are-the-third-leading-causeof-death-and-other-statistics-you-should-question /
Luthra S . Do cell phones belong in the operating room ? PBS News . July 15 , 2015 . https :// www . pbs . org / newshour / health / cell-phones-belong-operating-room
Rutledge G . Cell phones and medical malpractice . Total Health Law Blog . Feb . 6 , 2024 . https :// www . totalhealthlaw . com / cell-phones-medical-malpractice /
august 2024 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com •
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