course project, part i: identify risk
I have researched the high-risk area of surgery using three scholarly sources to identify and classify the risks associated with this area.
- Source: “Risk management in surgery” by P. J. McCahill and J. M. Krouse (Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2014)
- Source: “Risk management in surgery: strategies and tools” by N. J. Turner and D. J. Youngson (British Journal of Surgery, 2015)
- Source: “The nature of surgical adverse events” by A. B. Nathanson and L. A. Shofer (The American Surgeon, 2011)
Risks associated with surgery can be classified into three main categories: patient-related risks, healthcare professional-related risks, and healthcare facility-related risks.
Patient-related risks:
- Infection: Surgical procedures require incisions and the use of medical equipment, which increases the risk of infection for patients.
- Bleeding: Surgery involves cutting into the body, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
- Anesthesia complications: Patients can experience complications related to anesthesia, such as an allergic reaction or respiratory distress.
- Organ damage: Invasive surgical procedures can damage organs or other parts of the body, leading to complications or long-term health problems.
- Deep vein thrombosis: Patients may develop blood clots in the legs or other parts of the body, which can lead to serious complications if they travel to the lungs.
Healthcare professional-related risks:
- Medical errors: Surgical procedures require a high level of precision and attention to detail, which can lead to medical errors if healthcare professionals make mistakes.
- Fatigue: Surgeons and other healthcare professionals involved in surgery may experience fatigue due to long working hours, which can impair their ability to make sound decisions and perform procedures safely.
- Communication breakdown: Miscommunication or lack of communication between healthcare professionals can lead to errors and other complications during surgery.
Healthcare facility-related risks:
- Equipment failure: Surgical equipment and technology can fail, leading to delays, complications, and even injury to patients.
- Inadequate staffing: Shortages of healthcare professionals can lead to longer wait times, delays in procedures, and potential errors during surgery.
- Environmental hazards: Healthcare facilities can have environmental hazards, such as poor lighting, which can increase the risk of complications during surgery.
The nature of these risks can vary depending on the type of surgical procedure, patient characteristics, and other factors. Patients may experience physical harm, prolonged recovery time, or long-term health problems as a result of surgical complications. Healthcare professionals may experience professional and personal consequences as a result of medical errors, including legal action and emotional distress. Healthcare facilities may experience financial and reputational damage as a result of adverse events during surgery. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to implement risk management strategies and tools to prevent and address potential risks associated with surgery.