Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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During treatment in the ICU, patients, relatives, as well as staff members are exposed to a variety of potentially traumatic experiences. The study explores current concepts to prevent negative effects on mental health resulting from intensive care treatment. ⋯ Psychologists integrated in the ICU team can effectively target psychosocial needs of patients and relatives with varying complexity. They support the ICU team by taking on those tasks, and contribute to the overall resilience of the ICU team and its members.
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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
ReviewBest perioperative practices in the management of obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.
This review is timely due to the increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients undergoing ambulatory surgery, necessitating updated perioperative management strategies to improve outcomes and reduce complications. ⋯ Effective management of OSA in ambulatory surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing preoperative screening, tailored intraoperative techniques, and vigilant postoperative monitoring. Implementing guidelines and protocols can significantly enhance patient safety and outcomes.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewCritical patient safeguards for ambulatory surgery centers.
The role of ambulatory surgery centers in surgical care is evolving, as lower facility fees and improved patient experience increase the popularity of these venues. As care expands in ambulatory surgery center, so does the complexity of cases and patients cared for in these centers, which may pose a risk for patient safety. Anesthesiologists should lead multidisciplinary teams to screen for appropriate patients and procedures. ⋯ Procedural concerns start with the capabilities of the facility such as equipment, pharmacy, and staffing for each phase of care. However, nuances such as patient throughput in a given day, emergency preparedness, and after-hours staffing will affect both patient safety and staff morale. This article outlines the issues leaders need to consider to ensure patient safety in ambulatory surgery centers.
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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.