Anesthesia helps us get through medical procedures and recovery periods with as little pain as possible. But when a doctor makes a mistake in the anesthesia process, it can result in a serious case of medical malpractice in Connecticut.

Improper training

Unfortunately, some anesthesiologists out there have not received the adequate training that it takes to administer anesthesia. A lack of proper training can cause an inexperienced doctor to miss important steps in the process. Even seasoned anesthesiologists might practice poor techniques due to a lack of training. This can lead to common anesthesia errors such as administering too much or too little to a patient.

Poor communication

If your anesthesiologist doesn’t receive clear instructions from a doctor, your vital patient information can get lost. Often when communication between healthcare professionals is not strong, major errors like administering to the wrong patient can happen.

Misinterpretation of charts

Doctor handwriting is notoriously bad. If an anesthesiologist can’t make out what a doctor has written, they might misread or misinterpret your medical charts. In addition, if an anesthesiologist is too hasty in reading your charts, they might gloss over important details such as your:

• Height and weight
• Allergies
• Medical conditions
• Current medications
• History with anesthesia

Failing to properly read your medical paperwork can lead to errors such as administering the wrong dosage or type of anesthesia. This could cause dangerous complications like a heart attack or stroke during or after the procedure.

Preventing anesthesia mistakes

Before undergoing a procedure, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or anesthesiologist about any questions or concerns you may have. While your information may be on paper, it’s a good idea to double-check that the information is up to date and accurate. Having conversations with your doctors can ensure that they give you the correct anesthesia dosage.

An error in the anesthesia process can put you in danger. Knowing these common reasons behind anesthesia mistakes can help you take extra preventative measures to ensure you receive the care you need.