Lynn Razzano, RN, MSN, ONCC (Clinical Nurse Consultant, Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety) wrote about the safety considerations for outpatient surgery that we can learn from the recent death of comedienne Joan Rivers:
Although most physicians and facilities have implemented best practices, educating the patient about expected standards could help keep systems in check. In the Joan Rivers case, there were many overlooked procedural and clinical aspects of care that were evidenced in qualified public reports on the case. These oversights now serve as reminders to both clinicians and patients of the importance of doing things by the book.
In her article, she discusses safety considerations for outpatient surgery and, in particular, pregnant mothers:
… for pregnant patients needing non-obstetric surgery, there are additional concerns related not only to the baby but also to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.
To read a copy of the full article, please click here.