2010 Survey on cell phone use while performing cardiopulmonary bypass

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Perfusion
• Medical Technology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Cell phone use, including text messaging, is widespread in the U.S.
• The impact of cell phone distraction on critical professions like perfusion is largely unknown.
• Maintaining clinical vigilance is paramount in perfusion for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of cell phone use within the perfusion community.
• To identify perfusionists' concerns and opinions regarding cell phone usage during procedures.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed via perfusion-specific forums (AmSECT, Perfusion.com) in October 2010.
• The survey comprised 19 questions and received responses from 439 perfusionists.
• Respondents included Chief Perfusionists (30.5%) and Staff Perfusionists (62.0%) across various age groups.

Main Results:

• Over half of perfusionists (55.6%) reported using cell phones during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
• Nearly half (49.2%) admitted to sending text messages during CPB, with significant age-related variations.
• 78.3% expressed safety concerns, viewing cell phone use during CPB as a potential risk, though many reported engaging in the practice.

Conclusions:

• The majority of perfusionists acknowledge significant safety risks associated with cell phone use during CPB.
• Despite concerns, a substantial number of perfusionists use cell phones during CPB, indicating a potential gap between perceived risk and practice.
• Generational differences in attitudes toward cell phone use during bypass necessitate further investigation and potential consensus-building.