Safety and quality monthly update

Safety alert – propofol pump software error

We have published a new safety alert about the potential for under-dosing of patients due to a target-controlled infusion (TCI) pump software error.

ANZCA library resources

The safety and quality resource guide of the ANZCA library has recently been reviewed and updated. This hub brings together resources related to safety, standards of practice - including anaesthetic incident reporting (webAIRS), critical incident debriefing, advocacy, indigenous and global health.

We are also seeking expressions of interest for assistance with the review and update of the drug information resource guide. This guide has been designed for anaesthetists, pain specialists and medical professionals to help locate relevant drug information about medications, anaesthetics and analgesics. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

webAIRS update - failure of teamwork and communication 

Dr James French has been analysing the webAIRS database to collect reports that indicated impaired teamwork or communication as a contributing factor. 

The provision of perioperative care is an inherently multidisciplinary, team-based activity. Effective teamwork and communication are, therefore, recognised as crucially important for maintaining patient safety. 

A mixed methods analysis of 508 collated reports aimed to:

• identify demographic, clinical, or organisational factors associated with increased risk of compromised teamwork and communication
• explore the described experience of anaesthetists, and understand how specific aspects of teamwork and communication may adversely affect outcomes
• identify systemic barriers to effective teamwork and communication

Dr French will present his analysis on Friday 3 October as part of the scientific program at the ASA national scientific conference in Canberra alongside Dr Jina Hanna who will present on wrong-route drug error involving the neuraxial and IV routes.

For more information, get in touch.