Anesthesia Patient Safety Podcast

In our latest episode, we dive headfirst into the growing issue of medical misinformation and its alarming effect on anesthesia patient safety. As patients increasingly turn to social media for health information, the risks of encountering inaccurate content have soared, posing challenges for healthcare professionals. Join us as we explore a recent article by George Tewfik and Raymond Malapero from the February 2025 APSF Newsletter, focusing on how misinformation can threaten patient safety, especially during critical procedures. We'll outline the detrimental consequences of misinformation, breaking them down into three distinct categories: fear and anxiety, delay of treatment, and avoidance of treatment altogether. Understanding the psychological and physiological impacts of misinformation is crucial for anesthesia professionals and helps to frame how we can best support our patients. You’ll also learn actionable strategies for addressing these issues directly with patients. Empathy and compassionate communication are vital tools in combatting misinformation and fostering trust between healthcare providers and patients. By guiding patients towards reputable resources and encouraging open dialogue about their concerns, we can mitigate the effects of fear and anxiety, ultimately enhancing safety in anesthesia care. For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/245-unmasking-medical-misinformation/ [https://www.apsf.org/podcast/245-unmasking-medical-misinformation/] © 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Join us as we dive into the critical topic of medical misinformation and its alarming impact on patient safety, particularly in the field of anesthesia. In this compelling episode, we unpack how misconceptions shape patient trust and communication with healthcare providers. Our conversation features insightful commentary from Dr. George Tewfik, who highlights real-world examples of how misinformation spreads and influences patient decisions.  The rapid rise of social media as a primary information source has created a fertile ground for myths and misconceptions to thrive, leading to heightened anxiety among patients about anesthetic procedures.  Misinformation, such as exaggerated risks linked to medications like propofol and fentanyl, can cause unnecessary fear and even affect the consent process.  As we walk through patient anxieties and barriers, we provide practical strategies for healthcare professionals to combat misinformation effectively. Emphasizing the need for transparent and empathetic communication, we aim to empower listeners with the tools to engage their patients constructively. For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/244-battling-myths-and-misinformation-ensuring-patient-safety-in-anesthesia/ [https://www.apsf.org/podcast/244-battling-myths-and-misinformation-ensuring-patient-safety-in-anesthesia/] © 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

This episode delves into key findings in the literature, focusing on the nuances of neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients and novel advancements in intubation techniques to enhance patient safety. We explore significant insights from recent studies that highlight age-related differences in recovery times from neuromuscular blockade and practical recommendations. We also discuss a novel flexible stylet for intubation and the implications of intravenous catheter design during emergency needle decompression. Highlights include: • Exploring age-based variability in neuromuscular recovery  • Understanding the effects of volatile anesthetics on younger patients  • Emphasizing the importance of quantitative monitoring in pediatrics  • Introducing a new flexible intubation aid to enhance airway management  • Discussing a case report on emergency needle thoracostomy  • Practical recommendations for training to improve response in emergency situations For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/243-unlocking-insights-for-safer-anesthesia-key-findings-from-the-literature-and-a-case-report/ [https://www.apsf.org/podcast/243-unlocking-insights-for-safer-anesthesia-key-findings-from-the-literature-and-a-case-report/] © 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Feeling overwhelmed about staying up to date with the anesthesia literature? We hope you will check out the APSF's In The Literature section. This resource brings you straightforward summaries of recent high-impact articles related to anesthesia patient safety. This episode highlights crucial updates in the literature concerning diabetes management, the impact of fatigue on anesthesia professionals, research about GLP-1 receptor agonists, and the use of methadone for next-day discharge surgery. These insights aim to enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of anesthesia care. • Updates on blood glucose management guidelines for diabetic patients  • Findings on the relationship between fatigue and patient safety  • The risks of aspiration in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists  • Insights on using methadone for pain control in outpatient surgeries  • Discussion on the implications of recent research for clinical practice For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/242-enhancing-anesthesia-patient-safety-literature-reviews-guidelines-and-recommendations/ [https://www.apsf.org/podcast/242-enhancing-anesthesia-patient-safety-literature-reviews-guidelines-and-recommendations/] © 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

This episode discusses the implementation of ISO 80369-6 neuraxial connectors in Japan, analyzing the challenges faced and the implications for patient safety. The conversation highlights the importance of clinician involvement and the need for clear communication and trials during the transition to new medical standards. • Overview of ISO 80369-6 and its significance in anesthesia care • Challenges faced in Japan during the implementation of new connectors • Historical context of the LOR connector and its risks • Importance of clinician involvement in product testing and standard formulation • Call for vigilance and advocacy among anesthesia professionals for patient safety when creating new medical devices and setting new standards For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/241-the-impact-of-iso-80369-6-neuraxial-connectors-patient-safety-challenges-and-opportunities/ [https://www.apsf.org/podcast/241-the-impact-of-iso-80369-6-neuraxial-connectors-patient-safety-challenges-and-opportunities/] © 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation