Anesthetic safety. Where are we and what do we have?

Abstract

Introduction:

Surgical-patient safety is nowadays a public health concern for its high and growing usage in healthcare, the high potential for associated damage, and the demonstration that most of the adverse effects associated with anesthetic-surgical procedures are preventable.

Objective:

To analyze the deficient elements in the current anesthetic practice in terms of patient safety and to provide possible solutions for improving the quality of care.

Development:

Safety culture is defined as an integrated pattern of individual and organizational behavior, based on shared beliefs and values, which continuously aims at minimizing the harm the patient could suffer as a consequence of the processes and general provision of healthcare.

Conclusions:

The anesthesiologist is a key part within the surgical team in terms of patient safety, so a reflective practice, one that is adjusted to current treatment standards, within the framework of a care system capable of learning from its mistakes, will result in better quality of care and decrease in the incidence of adverse events.

Keywords:   anesthetic safety; surgical patient; quality of care.