How to Advocate for Patient Needs in Anesthesia Care
Doctors Magazine
How to Advocate for Patient Needs in Anesthesia Care
Imagine being in a situation where your needs and preferences about anesthesia care are at stake. In this insightful article, an Anesthesiologist shares a compelling example of exploring alternatives to general anesthesia, while a Dentist provides a conservative approach for an anxious patient. Discover the first and last of the three expert insights that ensure patients' voices are heard and respected. Read on to uncover these real-life advocacies and elevate your understanding of patient-centered anesthesia care.
- Explore Alternatives to General Anesthesia
- Combine Regional Block with Mild Sedation
- Use Conservative Approach for Anxious Patient
Explore Alternatives to General Anesthesia
Advocating for a patient's needs is central to anesthesia care, and one case remains vividly in my memory. A teenage girl scheduled for hip surgery was terrified of being intubated. She expressed a strong desire to explore alternatives, feeling overwhelmed at the thought of general anesthesia. While her orthopedic surgeon initially dismissed the idea of avoiding intubation due to procedural complexities, I saw an opportunity to explore her concerns further and ensure her voice was heard.
I engaged her in an in-depth discussion about her fears and explained the various anesthesia options available, including spinal anesthesia. Together, we weighed the risks and benefits of each approach while prioritizing her comfort and safety. Recognizing the feasibility of a spinal block for this type of surgery, I advocated for this plan during a collaborative discussion with the surgical team. Despite initial resistance, I emphasized how this approach aligned with the patient's preferences without compromising the quality or safety of care.
Ultimately, the spinal anesthesia proved to be an excellent choice. The patient underwent the procedure successfully and recovered with minimal discomfort, relieved that her wishes had been respected.
By actively listening and advocating for individualized care, we uphold our responsibility as patient advocates. Moments like these highlight the importance of empathy, communication, and a commitment to shared decision-making in ensuring our patients feel valued and respected.
Combine Regional Block with Mild Sedation
One example that stands out was a patient who expressed significant anxiety about undergoing general anesthesia for a procedure. They strongly preferred staying awake with regional anesthesia if it could be done safely. While general anesthesia was the standard for this particular procedure, I took the time to listen to their concerns, discuss the risks and benefits of each option, and involve the anesthesia team early to explore alternatives.
After thorough consultation and ensuring the patient's comfort and safety, we decided on a combined approach: a regional nerve block with mild sedation. This allowed the patient to remain conscious but relaxed, aligning with their preferences while still providing a safe environment for the surgery.
Use Conservative Approach for Anxious Patient
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I have often seen how anxious patients can be about anesthesia, especially for complex dental procedures. One case that comes to mind involved a young patient with a significant fear of losing control under sedation. The patient preferred minimal anesthesia but still needed to manage pain effectively.
To respect their concerns, I took extra time to explain the available options, including nitrous oxide and local anesthesia combinations. Together, we decided on a conservative approach that allowed the patient to remain fully awake and aware while still achieving adequate pain control. This collaborative decision helped ease the patient's anxiety and ensured they felt empowered throughout the process.
This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and empathy in patient care. By actively listening and involving the patient in decisions, I was able to build trust and deliver care that met their needs. Respecting their preferences also underscored how vital it is to treat every patient as an individual.
