Can we significantly reduce pediatric medication errors in anesthesia care? This podcast episode explores the urgent need to address medication errors in pediatric anesthesia, highlighting effective strategies to improve patient safety. We discuss the implementation of tools such as the Anesthesia Medication Template, pre-filled syringes, and barcode scanning systems, as well as insights from experts on enhancing current practices.

• Examination of medication error statistics in pediatric anesthesia
• Discussion of the Anesthesia Medication Template (AMT) and its benefits
• Overview of pre-filled syringes as a safety measure
• Insights on challenges with pre-filled syringes
• Evaluation of barcode scanning systems and their impact on safety
• Expert opinions on future trends in medication safety
• Emphasis on proactive strategies to prevent medication errors

For healthcare professionals focused on refining patient safety, this episode is packed with practical insights and data-driven recommendations that could revolutionize your approach to pediatric care.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/238-solutions-to-reduce-pediatric-medication-errors-during-anesthesia-care/

© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Unlock the secrets of preventing pediatric perioperative medication errors with insights from our esteemed guests, Eva Lu-Boettcher and Rahul Koka. Pediatric patients face unique challenges due to variations in body weight and dosing calculations, making them particularly vulnerable to medication errors. Join us as we explore the discrepancies between self-reported and observed error rates and gain a deeper understanding of the workflow vulnerabilities anesthesia professionals encounter. We also share findings from the Wake Up Safe Collaborative, revealing the administration phase as the most error-prone and illustrating how preventative and mitigative barriers can effectively manage risks through a bowtie analysis.

Our commitment to enhancing patient safety doesn't end there. Discover the APSF Technology Education Initiatives, designed to equip anesthesia professionals with vital knowledge for safe practice. We highlight the Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring course, aligned with the ASA 2023 Practice Guidelines, as well as the importance of staying informed through courses on Low Flow Anesthesia and the upcoming Manual External Defibrillation, Cardioversion, and Pacing course. Our mission is to ensure that no one is harmed by anesthesia care, and this episode provides essential education and insights that every professional should incorporate into their practice.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/237-preventing-pediatric-medication-errors/

© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

What if a simple change in routine could save lives in the operating room? Join us as we explore this possibility with Jonathan Charnin, who shares his expertise and passion for improving hand hygiene practices in anesthesia. Hand hygiene may seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of pathogens and reducing surgical site infections.

We'll unravel the complexities behind implementing effective hand hygiene protocols and discuss the obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead. Discover the startling truth about how many hand hygiene events should occur during a routine anesthetic (hint: the answer is 8 times every hour). This episode promises to enrich your knowledge and commitment to patient care, as we highlight how meticulous attention to hand hygiene and environmental contamination can drastically improve outcomes in the perioperative setting.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/236-revolutionizing-hand-hygiene-in-anesthesia-a-path-to-safer-surgeries/

© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Join us on a fascinating exploration with Alli Bechtel, a dedicated anesthesiologist and the Anesthesia Patient Safety podcast host, who reveals the surprising journey from the United States to New Zealand in pursuit of a better work-life balance. Bechtel shares her unique insights into the supportive healthcare environment she found across the globe and the role of teamwork in ensuring patient safety in anesthesia. Her story provides a meaningful look at the personal and professional transitions involved in moving to a new country and how a close-knit hospital community can enhance medical practice.

Discover the evolution of anesthesia patient safety initiatives and the pivotal contributions of the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF). Having joined the APSF during the pandemic, Alli recounts her path to becoming the host of their podcast, highlighting the foundation's dynamic shift from newsletters to engaging audio content. We discuss the APSF's commitment to collaboration and their comprehensive resources aimed at reducing errors and improving safety practices, sharing examples from recent publications that underscore the need for systemic solutions in anesthesia care.

This episode is a compelling blend of personal narrative, professional insight, and pioneering education strategies aimed at shaping the future of anesthesia practice.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/235-fresh-flow-podcast-takeover-advancing-patient-safety-from-a-to-n-to-zed/

© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

What does it take to stay prepared for a rare but potentially life-threatening anesthesia complication like malignant hyperthermia (MH)? Join us as Dr. Henry Rosenberg, a trailblazer in the field and founder of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States, shares his insights on the evolution of MH diagnosis and management. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the transition from traditional muscle biopsy contracture tests to cutting-edge DNA diagnostic methods.

Preparedness and vigilance are key themes as we explore the responsibilities of anesthesia professionals in ensuring patient safety for those susceptible to MH. We delve into the necessity of genetic counseling and multidisciplinary follow-up care, including consultations with geneticists and neurologists, to identify potential underlying conditions. Even if you never encounter a case of malignant hyperthermia in your career, understanding these strategies equips you to handle the unexpected. As we wrap up our discussions for 2024, we invite you to continue supporting our mission by sharing this knowledge-rich episode and leaving a five-star review. Your feedback drives our commitment to delivering valuable content on anesthesia patient safety.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/234-malignant-hyperthermia-preparedness-insights-and-updates/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Unlock the future of perioperative medicine with insights into remimazolam, the cutting-edge benzodiazepine poised to transform anesthesia practices. We uncover the remarkable features of remimazolam, from its rapid onset and short duration to its unique reversibility and minimal impact on cardiac and respiratory systems. Discover why this novel sedative is gaining traction for neurosurgery and neurology applications, especially for short procedures in the U.S. market.

Explore the nuances of remimazolam's pharmacology, its economic considerations, and how it stands out in complex cardiovascular cases and interventional radiology. With practical insights into its effective use even in MRI procedures for patients with claustrophobia or spinal cord stenosis, this episode is your gateway to understanding how remimazolam is reshaping anesthesia with enhanced patient safety and recovery. This information was previously published in Episodes #175 and #176 and brought together to make one high-yield revisited show all about Remimazolam today.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/233-revolutionizing-anesthesia-the-impact-of-remimazolam/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

What happens when a defective CO2 absorbent canister leads to ventilation failure during surgery? Our latest episode uncovers the hidden risks of hypoventilation and leaks in anesthesia machines following intra-procedure CO2 canister replacement. We discuss the critical role of manufacturers in providing warnings about potential equipment failures, the importance of backup systems, and the environmental considerations of CO2 absorbent usage and low flow anesthesia. By examining real-world scenarios and various ventilator types, we equip you with strategies to enhance patient safety, all while balancing the benefits of reduced gas flows with the ecological impact of absorbent materials. Tune in to explore these vital topics and the ways in which you can contribute to a safer future in anesthesia care.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/232-embracing-safety-and-sustainability-in-anesthesia-care/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

What if a simple component replacement could jeopardize patient safety during surgery? Join us as we discuss critical anesthesia safety concerns with our special guest, Dr. Yuki Kuruma, an experienced anesthetist from Japan's Saiseikai Matsusaka General Hospital. Kuruma sheds light on the potential dangers of replacing CO2 absorbent canisters and the risk of hypoventilation caused by defective canisters. Reflecting on a significant 2013 incident involving a canister leak, we uncover why these issues remain pressing today and the urgent need for heightened awareness among anesthesia professionals.

In addition to safety risks, this episode offers a valuable platform for addressing technology-related concerns in anesthesia care. Our rapid response column encourages listeners to submit their insights and experiences with tech-related safety issues, providing direct communication with industry experts and manufacturers. We aim to foster a proactive community dedicated to patient safety and vigilance. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared to ensure the highest standards of care in anesthesia practice.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/231-ensuring-anesthesia-safety-risks-of-co2-canister-replacement-and-technology-concerns/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

What impact do communication failures have on anesthesia patient safety, particularly for those with limited English proficiency? Join us as we welcome anesthesiology resident, Dr. Yasuko Mano, who sheds light on this critical issue. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Mano reveals how language barriers can lead to less patient-centered care and increased risks during high-pressure situations like medication reconciliation and obtaining informed consent. Through her insights, we explore the often-overlooked moments in healthcare settings where communication breakdowns can lead to adverse outcomes, especially in perioperative care.

Despite the availability of interpreter services in many hospitals, our discussion uncovers their underutilization at crucial times, such as during the initial check-in or induction of anesthesia. On the show, we outline a quality improvement initiative aiming to bridge these communication gaps. By proposing structural changes in preoperative and interoperative areas, the initiative seeks to enhance interactions between patients and the anesthesia care team with personalized translation tools. Together, we envision a future where high-quality and safe anesthesia care is accessible to all patients, regardless of language proficiency. Listen in to learn about practical solutions and the path toward more inclusive healthcare practices.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/230-bridging-communication-gaps-ensuring-safe-anesthesia-care-for-patients-with-limited-english-proficiency/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

What if the future of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) could be shorter, safer, and more effective? Uncover the latest insights into drug-eluting stents and how they are transforming how we think about dual-antiplatelet therapy. Join us as we examine the game-changing recommendations from top cardiology societies, which suggest that newer-generation stents can significantly reduce the duration of DAPT, particularly for patients with a high bleeding risk. Listen in as we dissect the innovative tools like the PRECISE-DAPT score and ARC-HBR criteria used to determine bleeding risk, ensuring patient safety without compromising on the efficacy of treatment. We delve into pivotal studies, including the Global Leader Study and the STOP-DAPT trial, that back these groundbreaking changes.

Our conversation takes an intriguing turn as we explore the intersection of cardiology advancements with anesthesia practices. Discover how these developments are influencing preoperative settings, potentially altering surgical timing and decision-making in anesthesia care. We bring you exclusive insights from contributor, Janak Chandrasoma, featured in the October 2024 APSF newsletter. We urge you to explore further resources, share the knowledge with your peers, and join us in promoting patient safety in perioperative environments. Don't forget to rate, review, and share the episode with colleagues keen on staying at the forefront of anesthesia patient safety advancements.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/229-revolutionizing-anesthesia-care-for-cardiac-patients/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

What if the future of cardiac care meant shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy without compromising safety? Join us as we explore this possibility with Dr. Joseph Szokol, a leading expert in clinical anesthesiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Dr. Szokol shares his insights into the revolutionary advancements in drug-eluting stent technology, which are reshaping how we approach perioperative care and patient safety. With over 600,000 cardiac stents placed each year, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the evolving landscape and its implications for anesthesia professionals.

Reflecting on past challenges, we transport you back to insights from the 2009 APSF newsletter that spotlighted the critical risks of stent thrombosis associated with older stent technologies. Discover how recommendations have dramatically shifted—from urging a 12-month delay for elective surgeries post-stent placement to adapting to breakthroughs in new generation stents. With a compelling narrative filled with historical context and cutting-edge research, this episode equips listeners with vital knowledge and updated guidelines that could significantly enhance perioperative patient management and safety.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/228-the-journey-of-drug-eluting-stents-and-anesthesia-patient-safety/

© 2024, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation