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Anesthesia-Related Closed Claims in Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Marc Philip T Pimentel1, Scott Chung1, Jacqueline M Ross2
1From the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|April 19, 2024
Summary
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) show fewer severe anesthesia claims than hospital operating rooms (HORs), but burns and communication issues are more frequent. Improving safety culture and provider training in ASCs is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Patient Safety
- Medical Malpractice
Background:
- Increasing acuity of procedures in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).
- Heightened concerns regarding patient safety in ASCs compared to hospital operating rooms (HORs).
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze anesthesia-related liability claims in free-standing ASCs versus HORs.
- Identify patient safety risks specific to the ASC setting.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of closed anesthesia liability claims (2015-2022).
- Comparison of 212 ASC claims with 268 HOR claims.
- Evaluation of injury severity, allegations, contributing factors, and financial outcomes.
Main Results:
- ASC claims were less frequent with high injury severity (22% vs. 34%).
- Burns were more common in ASCs (6% vs. 2%), while positioning injuries were less frequent (3% vs. 8%).
- Technical performance was a key factor in both settings; communication issues were higher in ASCs (20% vs. 10%).
Conclusions:
- ASCs may face higher patient and procedural complexity, necessitating enhanced safety measures.
- Recommendations include improving safety culture, communication, and ensuring up-to-date provider training in ASCs.
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