patient care, we have to be concerned with certain significant
medicolegal implications. Preferred Physicians Medical, a medical lia-
bility firm that has defended multiple lawsuits involving allegations
related to distractions, says the mere suggestion that an anesthesia
provider was distracted makes the case harder to win, regardless of
the evidence.
In cases where something goes wrong, plaintiff attorneys can sub-
poena cell phone records and retain information technology experts
to try to cement the idea that distractions are to blame. Metadata
experts can determine the exact time a webpage was visited, a text
message was sent or a phone call was made.
Be present, be professional
So is the hand wringing warranted, or are a few extreme cases — like
the Dallas case — causing knee-jerk reactions?
Based on everything we know, including evidence that properly
managed distractions can actually enhance vigilance, I believe the key
is to exercise good judgment and common sense, something that was
lacking in the Dallas case.
Yes, we absolutely must avoid all distractions during induction,
emergence or stressful/intense times during cases. But at other times,
we simply need to be present and professional. How can we ensure
we don't fall below that standard? The If-this-were-my-mother-on-
the-table litmus test should provide an excellent guide.
OSM
Mr. MacKinnon (mmackinnon123@gmail.com) is a partner in a CRNA-
only practice in Show Low, Ariz. He lectures nationally on airway manage-
ment and the business of anesthesia.
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