Curious about how to enhance patient safety with external ventricular drains or EVDs? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of EVDs and their pivotal role in perioperative care. With over 25,000 EVD placements annually in the United States, it's crucial for anesthesia and critical care professionals to master the management of these devices to prevent serious complications. We delve into the fundamentals of EVDs, covering their function, placement, and the common risks associated with their use.

This episode features the launch of the EVD Safety Campaign, a collaboration between the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) and the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC). We'll discuss the campaign's objectives, which include raising awareness, providing education, promoting standardized guidelines, and enhancing clinical proficiency. Discover the wealth of resources available in the EVD Knowledge Hub, designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on safeguarding patients with EVDs and elevating your clinical practice.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/220-enhancing-patient-safety-with-external-ventricular-drains-launching-the-evd-safety-campaign/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Unlock the secrets to improving anesthesia patient safety as we tackle the critical issue of intraoperative hypotension. Did you know that hypotension during surgery can lead to severe complications like acute kidney injury, myocardial injury, delirium, and stroke? Join us as we dissect recent studies, including one by Ariyarathna and colleagues linking high vasopressor use to kidney damage, and another by Chiu and colleagues on the dangers of limiting IV fluid administration. With expert insights from Amy Yerdon, Matt Scherrer, and Desiree Chappell, this episode is packed with essential information on minimizing hypotensive events and optimizing patient outcomes through advanced monitoring and goal-directed therapy.

Stay ahead in your practice by understanding the differential diagnosis for intraoperative hypotension and the importance of continuous blood pressure monitoring. Learn strategies to balance fluid and vasopressor use effectively, ensuring patient safety. Whether you're an anesthesia professional or simply interested in medical advancements, this episode offers valuable knowledge and practical tips to enhance postoperative recovery. Don't miss out on these crucial insights that could transform your approach to anesthesia care.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/219-optimizing-outcomes-in-anesthesia-care-spotlight-on-intraoperative-hypotension/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Ever wondered about the dangers of low blood pressure during surgery? This episode features Amy Yerdon, a certified registered nurse anesthetist and assistant professor at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, who brings to light the critical issue of intraoperative hypotension. Alongside co-authors Matt Scherrer and Desiree Chappell, Yerdon underscores the often-overlooked consequences that patients face post-surgery due to intraoperative hypotension, including acute kidney injury, myocardial injury, and even mortality. This discussion is a must-listen for anesthesia professionals dedicated to improving perioperative patient safety.

Tune in to understand how monitoring and managing blood pressure can significantly reduce postoperative complications and healthcare costs. We discuss the alarming gaps in knowledge among anesthesia professionals, largely due to insufficient postoperative reporting. This episode is packed with invaluable insights that could shape the future of anesthesia care and patient outcomes. Don't miss this crucial conversation on how proactive measures can prevent future harm by working to decrease and prevent intraoperative hypotension.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/218-unmasking-the-risks-the-dangers-of-low-blood-pressure-during-surgery/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

We are sharing the Residents in a Room Podcast episode #65 on Nontraditional Pathways - Leadership. Unlock the secrets of non-traditional leadership pathways within anesthesiology with Dr. Della Lin, a seasoned expert with over three decades of experience. Learn how Dr. Lin transitioned from a department chair to a speaker, healthcare think tank participant, and APSF board member, offering insights into leadership that go beyond titles. She reveals how behaviors that unite people and solve problems are at the heart of true leadership. Discover the essence of leading without conventional roles, and how anesthesiologists are uniquely positioned to excel in these arenas.

Hear firsthand about the challenges and fulfillment that come with stepping away from clinical practice to embrace leadership roles. With personal anecdotes about moments of doubt and the search for purpose, Dr. Lin offers practical advice on balancing new roles and pursuing your passions. Understand the power of self-reflection and the benefits of maintaining a reflective diary to guide your career decisions, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate their professional journey with intention and joy.

Dive into the ethical complexities of leadership in healthcare, from resource allocation during crises to incorporating patient voices into decision-making. Dr. Lin's experiences underscore the importance of integrity, trust, and alignment with one's values in leadership roles. Explore strategies for motivating and mentoring future leaders, particularly in volunteer settings, and recognize the profound impact such leadership can have on patient safety and community health. Join us for an inspiring discussion that blends practical advice with profound personal insights, offering a fresh perspective on leadership in anesthesiology and beyond.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/217-residents-in-a-room-podcast-takeover-redefining-leadership-in-anesthesiology/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Discover the critical steps to safeguarding pediatric patients from opioid-induced respiratory depression in our latest episode featuring experts Tricia Vecchione and Constance Monitto. Learn about the paramount risk factors, such as age and co-morbidities like obstructive sleep apnea, that put young patients at increased risk. We’ll explore essential continuous monitoring strategies, emphasizing the importance of respiratory rate and pulse oximetry for those on parental opioids and patient-controlled analgesia.

Uncover the intricacies of effective pediatric respiratory monitoring, including why desaturation can be a dangerously late warning sign. We discuss the need for preemptive systems that can identify respiratory depression in time to prevent critical events. This episode outlines the ideal characteristics of respiratory monitors and provides a comprehensive overview of the available modalities, starting with the indispensable pulse oximeter. Stay informed with the latest recommendations from the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia and ensure the highest standard of patient safety.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/216-guarding-against-opioid-induced-respiratory-depression-in-kids/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

How do we keep our youngest and most vulnerable patients safe from the deadly threat of opioid-induced respiratory depression? On this episode of the Anesthesia Patient Safety Podcast, we uncover the answers with invaluable insights from pediatric anesthesiologist Dr. Connie Monitto. Dr. Monitto, along with co-author Tricia Vecchione, breaks down their June 2024 APSF newsletter article, highlighting the unique challenges of managing opioid-induced respiratory depression in children. Expect to learn why pediatric patients aren't just small adults and discover the critical importance of pediatric-specific risk assessments and monitoring protocols.

Our conversation zeroes in on the distinct physiological and communication aspects of children that demand specialized approaches in anesthesia care. We’ll guide you through practical strategies, such as identifying high-risk pediatric patients and implementing vigilant monitoring and opioid-sparing techniques. Plus, we delve into Figure 1 from the article, detailing the risk factors like age, prematurity, and comorbidities that can increase the likelihood of respiratory complications. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to elevating safety standards in pediatric anesthesia, offering actionable advice to protect our youngest patients and prevent life-threatening complications.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/215-protecting-pediatric-patients-from-opioid-induced-respiratory-depression/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Can administering anesthesia to patients with concussions lead to complications? Join host, Alli Bechtel, as we unpack the pivotal findings from an insightful article by Arney Abcejo and Jeffrey Pasternak that was featured in the October 2018 APSF newsletter. This episode offers a comprehensive review of the clinical manifestations and challenges of providing anesthesia to recently concussed patients. Discover the prevalent causes of concussions, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries, and gain an understanding of the nuanced care these vulnerable patients require.

We'll share intriguing statistics from a retrospective study, revealing that nearly 15% of patients received anesthesia within the first year of their concussion, with a significant portion occurring within the first week. Listen in as we discuss the complexities of elective procedures post-concussion and the heightened vigilance needed during the peri-anesthetic period. Whether you're a medical professional or interested in patient safety, this episode is packed with essential insights into the delicate balance of ensuring safe anesthesia care in concussed patients.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/214-navigating-anesthesia-in-concussed-patients-insights-and-challenges/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Can you imagine the horror of a medication mix-up between the overwrap and the infusion bag? In this episode, we tackle a crucial ISMP alert concerning a dangerous labeling error between dexmedetomidine and acetaminophen IV bags. Learn from a real-life case where this mistake led to a severe patient reaction, and discover essential steps to prevent such incidents in your practice. We'll cover best practices for barcode scanning, proper medication administration, and how to educate your team to ensure patient safety.

But that's not all—travel back with us to the October 2018 APSF newsletter as we explore the unique challenges of managing anesthesia for patients with concussions. From historical insights to modern-day practices, this episode offers an all-encompassing look at anesthesia considerations for patients with concussions. Stay informed and ready to deliver the highest standard of care by tuning into these critical updates and practical tips.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/213-medication-labeling-errors-and-anesthesia-for-patients-with-concussions/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation