Improving Intra-Op Workflows with an Anesthesia Info Management System

This article reviews how an anesthesia information management system (AIMS) can solve many anesthesia workflow challenges in the intra-operative period, helping improve patient safety in the operating theatre and in the transition to the recovery unit.

Ways to streamline the intra-op anesthesia workflow

The intra-operative anesthesia period begins with induction of anesthesia and ends at the completion of the surgery and emergence from anesthesia. During the intra-op anesthesia period, the patient is monitored, and the surgical procedures are performed.

Anesthesia clinicians face several challenges during this very intense period, including:

Constant data recording and management: Manually documenting the immense array of intra-operative events and information that must be recorded virtually as they happen is time-consuming and tedious, leading to incomplete or inaccurate patient records.

Solution: An AIMS automates the collection and storage of intra-operative data from clinical monitors, the anesthesia gas machine, and other integrated machines, such as infusion or TCI pumps. Automatic recording of information such as patient vital signs, intra-operative lab test and imaging results, along with easy documentation, with just a few clicks, of the administration of anesthetics, drugs, and fluids, ensure accurate and comprehensive records. These capabilities reduce errors and free anesthesiologists to focus more on patient care.

Disruptions to the anesthesia plan: Interruptions and dynamic events, like bleeding or other changes in patient condition or equipment malfunctions, can disrupt the carefully orchestrated flow of an operation.

Solution: Anesthesia and surgical flowsheets built into the AIMS can be continually updated during surgery. The AIMS can trigger notifications for critical situations, prompting the team to take necessary actions.

Team communication challenges: Effective communication among the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare providers is crucial during the intra-operative period. Miscommunications or delays in sharing critical information can lead to errors and impact patient outcomes.

Solution: Communication tools within the AIMS facilitate timely information sharing, improving coordination and ensuring that critical information is accessible to all relevant parties.

How does iMDsoft’s solution help?

MetaVision Anesthesia enables clinicians to closely track the patient’s condition throughout the intra-operative period. In the operating theatre, the anesthesia team can:

• See a complete view of clinical data, surgical time stamps and events
• Use pre-set dosing templates that simplify documentation
• Get smart alerts on changes in the patient’s condition
• Share notifications of test results, events, and other important information
• Record events and medications with one click or a barcode scan
• Easily formulate the post-operative anesthesia management plan, enter it into the system, and document the transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)

Key takeaways

• An anesthesia information management system (AIMS) automates the collection and documentation of intra-operative data, reducing errors and freeing clinicians to focus on patient care.
• By providing timely updates and notifications during surgery, an AIMS helps teams respond swiftly to critical events and changes in the patient’s condition.
• Built-in communication tools within the AIMS enhance collaboration among surgical teams, ensuring timely information sharing and improved coordination.

Conclusion

Efficiency during the intra-operative stage is not just about speeding up processes; it’s about ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and care. An anesthesia information management system (AIMS) plays a pivotal role by automating complex data recording, offering timely updates, and enhancing communication among the anesthesia team. These improvements minimize the risk of errors and enable the clinical team to maintain their focus where it matters most: on the patient. As the anesthesia environment becomes increasingly complex, an AIMS provides the tools necessary to navigate this complexity with precision and confidence. It enables a smoother transition to the recovery unit, and ultimately can help improve perioperative outcomes.

FAQs

• How does an AIMS enhance decision-making during surgery?

  An AIMS provides updated data from various clinical monitors and other sources, allowing the anesthesia team to make informed decisions quickly. It offers alerts and updates that can prompt timely interventions, ensuring that any changes in the patient's condition are addressed immediately.

• How does an AIMS assist in managing unexpected events in the OR?

  An AIMS allows for dynamic updates to anesthesia and surgical flowsheets, enabling the anesthesia team to quickly adapt to unexpected events such as sudden changes in patient condition or equipment malfunctions. The system can trigger timely alerts, helping the team respond promptly and effectively to critical situations, thereby maintaining the smooth progression of the surgery.