Safety Interventions in Cardiac Anesthesia: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Patient Safety
• Health Systems Engineering

Background:

• Cardiac operating rooms are complex, high-risk environments.
• While risks are known, effective reduction strategies require further understanding.
• Improving patient safety in cardiac anesthesia necessitates evidence-based risk reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify effective, evidence-based risk reduction strategies for cardiac anesthesia.
• To explore the impact of tools and interventions on patient safety and human factors.
• To classify identified strategies using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an advanced literature search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science).
• Screened studies independently based on prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Narratively synthesized data from 18 included studies.

Main Results:

• Preoperative briefing tools reduced patient mortality and hospital stay.
• Intraoperative checklists decreased bleeding, mortality, and transfusion needs.
• Postoperative handover tools improved information transfer and teamwork.

Conclusions:

• Three categories of tools enhance patient and organizational outcomes in cardiac anesthesia.
• These tools are often simple, sustainable, and adaptable across different centers.
• Evidence supports the use of specific tools to improve safety and efficiency.