In 2009, Atul Gawande released The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right, a book about the value of checklists for managing emergency situations. Anesthesia is commonly used in the medical profession, and it is essential to get every step right. It’s essential to have a practiced policy in place for what to do when something goes wrong during a procedure. Anesthesia crisis management involves methods that are particular to the training of anesthesiologists.
Physician anesthesiologists at SleepGuardian are professionally trained to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency that might occur during a medical procedure. If you are planning a procedure that involves anesthesia and have concerns about safety, we encourage you to reach out to SleepGuardian at (866) 256-1146 to speak with a trained staffer who can help ease your mind about our safety protocols.
Common Concerns in a Crisis Management Plan
It’s always important to have a plan in place in case anything should go wrong. This is why people are known to say, “Expect the best, but plan for the worst.” What follows are essential elements involved in a crisis management plan:
- Risk analysis
- Understanding when there is a crisis
- Chain of command
- Each medical professional should know their role in a crisis
- Detailed action place in response to a crisis
- Practiced communication with other team members in a crisis
- How to calmly move forward once a crisis has been properly resolved
The Importance of Effective Crisis Management Protocols
The World Health Organization developed a Surgical Safety Checklist to promote patient safety during surgical medical procedures. Before anesthesia is used on a patient, medical professionals, including at least one nurse and an anesthesiologist, confirm basic checks concerning the patient’s medical history. They also ensure that all equipment is operating properly and that all medications and potentially needed surgical materials are on hand. Our anesthesiologists offer services in the following specialties:
- Spinal injections
- Dental surgery
- Ear, nose, and throat procedures
Before any surgical work begins, a nurse, anesthesiologist, and surgeon confirm team members have reviewed all the necessary materials and equipment. The medical team discusses any anticipated critical events prior to beginning the procedure. The anesthesiologist focuses on patient-specific concerns based on an individual’s medical history, current health, and mediation regimen.
After the procedure is completed, the medical team reviews their work before exiting the operating room. The team also discusses post-procedure treatment, including key concerns that relate to recovery.
SleepGuardian Makes Safety Our Top Priority
Safety, closely followed by patient comfort, is the top priority at SleepGuardian. All of our facilities in Northern Virginia follow strict protocols to ensure we provide only the best service to our patients. Our in-office procedures are conducted under the care of highly trained physician anesthesiologists.
Types of Sedation
SleepGuardian only uses anesthesia and sedation medications that are medically proven to be safe and effective. These medications are tools to provide patients with the best possible care during their in-office procedures. Based on your personal history, current health, and medication regimen, SleepGuardian’s medical team will help determine the safest and most effective anesthetic options for you. These may include:
- Oral pills
- Inhaled gas
- General anesthesia (GA)
Our medical professionals make careful and precise decisions when it comes to using anesthesia and sedation medications. These choices are to make sure our patients feel less pain and distress leading up to, during, and after their procedure.
Contact Us to Learn More About Our Commitment to Safety
SleepGuardian, in Northern Virginia, offers safe and effective office-based anesthesia services. Our physician anesthesiologists work with patients to tailor treatment plans to suit your particular circumstances and needs. Patient safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Reach out to SleepGuardian today at (866) 256-1146 and speak to a representative who will assist you in choosing treatment options.
