The Year-End Surgery Rush: Common Errors and How Families Should Document What Happened
The end of the year is often a busy and stressful time for many people. Hospitals, in particular, experience an influx of patients as they try to schedule surgeries before the year concludes. This rush can lead to mistakes in the operating room, from miscommunication among medical staff to even more severe errors like wrong-site surgeries. While patients have the right to expect high standards of care, the end-of-year rush can complicate things. The consequences of these errors can be significant, not just for the individuals undergoing surgery but for their families as well.In this blog post, we will explore the common errors that occur during the year-end surgery rush, explain how families can effectively document what happened during a surgery, and provide important steps to take in the event of a surgical error. By understanding these issues, families can ensure they are prepared and empowered to act if something goes wrong.
Why Year-End Surgeries Can Lead to Increased Risk
Surgical Backlog and Increased Volume of Cases
One of the key reasons for the increased risk of surgical errors during the year-end rush is the sheer volume of cases hospitals and surgery centers have to manage. Surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff are often under pressure to complete as many surgeries as possible before the year ends. As the hospital staff scrambles to accommodate patients, the level of attention to each individual case may decrease. When there are too many surgeries scheduled in a short time frame, mistakes can be made due to the overwhelming workload.
Fatigue of Medical Professionals
With the additional surgeries to complete before the year ends, medical professionals often find themselves working long hours, sometimes without the proper rest between surgeries. Fatigue can lead to mistakes in any profession, and medicine is no exception. Surgeons and staff who are fatigued may overlook critical details or rush through procedures, increasing the likelihood of an error occurring during surgery.
Miscommunication Between Medical Teams
As medical staff members move quickly to meet the demands of the year-end surgery rush, miscommunication can become a significant issue. Communication is critical in the operating room, and even small lapses can have devastating consequences. For example, a surgeon might not receive critical information from a nurse about a patient’s medical history, leading to complications during surgery. Alternatively, the surgical team may fail to confirm the right surgical site, resulting in a “wrong-site surgery.” These errors are preventable but often occur in high-pressure situations.
Common Surgical Errors in the Year-End Rush
Wrong-Site Surgeries
One of the most serious types of surgical errors that can occur during the year-end rush is wrong-site surgery. This happens when a surgeon operates on the wrong part of the body. While hospitals have protocols in place to prevent wrong-site surgeries, the increased volume of surgeries and the time constraints can lead to lapses in following these procedures. The results of such errors can be devastating for patients and can cause long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia is an essential part of most surgeries, but errors in its administration can lead to significant complications. These include over-sedation, under-sedation, or administering the wrong type of anesthesia. In the year-end rush, with an increased number of surgeries being performed in a short time frame, anesthesia errors are more likely. The consequences of these mistakes can be severe, including brain damage, cardiac arrest, or even death.
Surgical Instrument Errors
In a fast-paced surgical environment, tools and instruments may be misplaced or left inside the patient’s body after the surgery is completed. These “retained surgical items” can lead to infections, additional surgeries, and longer recovery times. These errors are preventable, but the year-end surgery rush can make it difficult for medical staff to maintain their usual level of attention to detail.
How Families Can Document Surgical Events
Documenting the events surrounding a surgery is crucial, especially if there is suspicion of medical malpractice. By keeping detailed records, families can ensure they have the evidence needed to pursue legal action if an error occurs. Here are some effective ways families can document the events during and after surgery:
Request Complete Medical Records
Immediately after the surgery, it’s important for families to request a full copy of the patient’s medical records. These records should include pre-surgery consultation notes, consent forms, surgical notes, and post-operative care instructions. These documents can provide crucial information if something goes wrong. Medical records are often the first line of evidence in a medical malpractice case, so it’s essential to have access to them.
Keep a Surgery Journal
A surgery journal is a helpful tool for families to document every conversation they have with medical professionals before, during, and after surgery. By writing down the dates, times, and details of conversations with surgeons, nurses, and other hospital staff, families can have an organized log of events. This journal can be particularly helpful if there are discrepancies in the story later on. It can also help ensure that nothing important is overlooked.
Take Photos or Videos
If possible, families should take photos or videos of any visible marks, injuries, or abnormalities that occur after surgery. For example, if the surgical site is inflamed, bruised, or shows signs of infection, capturing these images can provide valuable evidence. Families should also document any physical changes they observe in the patient’s condition during recovery. These images can play a critical role in proving that an error occurred.
Request an Incident Report
If something seems wrong or unusual during surgery or recovery, families should request that the hospital or surgical center file an incident report. This report should include a detailed account of the event and any steps taken to address the situation. Incident reports can provide a clear timeline of events and be an important piece of evidence if legal action is pursued.
What to Do If You Suspect a Surgical Error
If families suspect that a surgical error occurred, it’s important to take immediate action. The first step is to seek medical attention if the patient shows signs of complications from surgery. In some cases, additional surgeries or treatments may be necessary to correct the issue.Once the patient’s immediate medical needs are addressed, it’s time to consider legal action. Consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney is crucial to understanding the options available. A lawyer specializing in medical malpractice can guide families through the legal process, help gather necessary documentation, and ensure that their rights are protected.At Faiella & Gulden, P.A., we have a long history of helping families navigate the complex and often overwhelming process of pursuing a medical malpractice case. We can assist you in understanding what happened during your loved one’s surgery and help determine if there was negligence involved. Our team is here to ensure that families get the justice they deserve.The year-end surgery rush can be a stressful and dangerous time for both patients and their families. With increased surgical volumes, staff fatigue, and miscommunication, the risk of errors rises. However, families can take proactive steps to protect their rights by documenting all relevant details about the surgery, including medical records, conversations with hospital staff, and any visible signs of complications.If you suspect a surgical error has occurred, it’s important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. At Faiella & Gulden, P.A., we offer free consultations to help families assess their options and begin the legal process. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and ensure that your loved one’s case is handled with the care and attention it deserves.If you or a loved one has experienced a surgical error, don’t wait to take action. Faiella & Gulden, P.A. offers free consultations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your legal options.
