Anesthesia A new systematic review published in Cureus examines the literature to determine how well artificial intelligence (AI) predicts (PONV) among surgical patients following general anesthesia. The researchers found that while AI offers promise in this area, it isn’t quite ready to replace conventional assessments. AI “may improve perioperative risk prediction…
The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission has released an 80-page report that details its investigation into the medication errors at Nashville hospital Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown that impacted four surgical patients. It determined the mistakes were primarily caused by human error. According to local TV station WKRN, “at least four out…
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has launched a patient education resource called Anesthesia Answers, which it states was created by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and nurse anesthesiologists to “help patients and their families navigate one of healthcare's most misunderstood topics: anesthesia.” Available at AnesthesiaAnswers.org, it addresses common…
Responding to the reported medication errors that harmed patients who were undergoing joint replacement surgeries at a Nashville hospital, the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP), the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Friday “reaffirmed that spinal anesthesia remains a safe and essential…
A devastating medication error that impacted four surgical patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville, Tenn., received a large amount of mainstream media attention over the last week—reminding perioperative leaders of the critical importance of medication safety protocols. CBS News affiliate WTVF-TV reported that “at least four people went…
In a new white paper, anesthesia management services provider North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) examines how workplace culture impacts anesthesia staffing and performance. In a press release, NAPA states, “When an anesthesiology department struggles with turnover, staffing instability, or inconsistent results, healthcare leaders often respond with familiar operational solutions:…
A new study from researchers in India examines “knowledge, attitudes, and adoption barriers among anesthesiologists” regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The study, published in Cureus, notes that while AI integration with anesthesiology “holds immense potential to revolutionize perioperative care… limited research exists on anesthesiologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practical exposure to AI-based…
Over a dozen surgical organizations today urged CMS to ensure that its episode-based payment models support the use of non-opioid pain management therapies. The request was made in a letter to CMS Deputy Administrator Abe Sutton that was led by Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, “a nonpartisan coalition that works to…
A new study by Canadian researchers supports the safety of continued perioperative Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) use in “patients meeting strict institutional pre-procedure screening pathways for short-duration ophthalmic surgeries under MMS [Mild-To-Moderate Sedation] in an ambulatory setting.” However, the researchers caution that their findings “may not extend to higher…
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and over a dozen other organizations today urged CMS to ensure that its episode-based payment models support the use of non-opioid pain management therapies. The request was made in a letter to CMS Deputy Administrator Abe Sutton that was led by Voices for Non-Opioid…
