Of all the work places that should remain free of distractions, hospital operating rooms are high on the list. Some of the technology present in the operating rooms of today includes smartphones, tablets, pagers and computers. While medical personnel rely on these items to perform their duties, when does it represent a risk of hospital negligence?
Distraction in the operating suite has become a hot topic in the digital age. While patients undergoing a medical procedure cannot always know what the surgical team is doing, they deserve to have confidence that they are receiving the complete attention of team members. Anesthesiology professionals have recently addressed the subject of operating rooms and the presence of technology.
The results of this scrutiny by anesthesiology professionals do not provide a definitive answer about the pros or the cons of technology in the OR. Instead, the report talks about the good side and the bad side of the issue. The report concludes with a statement about the lack of a good policy addressing the use of devices in the OR despite increased pressure to adopt more information technology.
One point made in the article says that technological devices have their place in a surgical suite. Team members can quickly consult medical texts and other information pertinent to the procedure. However, these devices can also be used to engage in social media, shop online or simply surf the Internet.
One thing is certain for those who have suffered from hospital negligence and believe digital technology played a role: Improper use of smartphones and other technology can be proven and potentially used to help your case. Speak with a New Jersey medical malpractice attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists, “Technology: An Uninvited Guest in the O.R.?,” Thomas T. Klumpner, M.D., Daniel A. Biggs, M.D., M.Sc.. and Ori Gottlieb, M.D., accessed Nov. 09, 2015
