Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewPreventing perioperative infections: a call to action for anesthesiologists.
Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the most costly complications and hospital organizations are promoting multidisciplinary approaches to address this harm. Anesthesiologists are increasingly recognized as key players influencing surgical outcomes and patient safety, and play a key role in preventing SSIs. ⋯ Timely interventions, including appropriate antibiotics' administration, practicing sterile and aseptic techniques when performing intraoperative procedures and handling medications are impactful steps in the process of improving rates of SSIs. Multidisciplinary participation in local and regional collaborative initiatives to improve adherence to best practices as well as integrated education of all the stakeholders are some of the principles of patient-centered care described in our review.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewMedication errors and mitigation strategies in obstetric anesthesia.
Medication administration errors represent a significant yet preventable cause of patient harm in the peripartum period. Implementation of best practices contained in this manuscript can significantly reduce medication errors and associated patient harm. ⋯ In obstetric anesthesia, medication errors can include wrong medication, dose, route, time, patient, or infusion setting. These errors are often underreported, have the potential to be catastrophic, and most can be prevented. Implementation of various types of best practice cost effective mitigation strategies include recommendations to improve drug labeling, optimize storage, determine correct medication prior to administration, use non-Luer epidural and intravenous connection ports, follow patient monitoring guidelines, use smart pumps and protocols for all infusions, disseminate medication safety educational material, and optimize staffing models. Vigilance in patient care and implementation of improved patient safety measures are urgently needed to decrease harm to mothers and newborns worldwide.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewMore than pacemakers and defibrillators: perioperative management of implantable devices for patient safety.
The use of implantable medical devices (IMDs) continues to increase with estimates that 10% of the American population will have an IMD in their lifetime. IMDs require special considerations for management in the perioperative period to ensure optimal patient care and patient safety. This review summarizes the current perioperative considerations for IMDs. ⋯ There are very few guidelines regarding the perioperative management of IMDs. Given the significant impact that these devices have on patient care and safety, evidence-based guidelines should be established.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewMitigating and preventing perioperative opioid-related harm.
Although necessary for treatment of acute pain, opioids are associated with significant harm in the perioperative period and further intervention is necessary perioperatively to mitigate opioid-related harm. ⋯ We will review policy and guidelines regarding perioperative opioid management and identify challenges and future directions to mitigate opioid-related harm.