Most people do not worry about the possibility of their surgeon getting distracted in the middle of a procedure. However, surgeons are people, too. It can happen.
This is a form of malpractice, and it can leave victims suffering serious and lifelong consequences.
Interruptions in counting
OR Management News discusses common distractions for surgeons. First: interruptions during counting. Doctors and staff always need to count the equipment and tools they use before and after every operation. This ensures that no piece ends up left behind in the patient.
Unfortunately, if someone gets distracted in the process of this counting, it may easily lead to the surgeon misplacing something like a small tool or sponge.
Broken equipment
Next: broken or forgotten equipment. Sometimes, equipment might break in the middle of a procedure. Things like unclean scalpels or missing parts of machinery can easily lead to a panic or a sudden rush which may in turn lead to mistakes.
Unexpected noises
Startling noises also pose an issue. In an operating room, a lack of sound is generally expected. This helps the surgeon focus and stay concentrated.
Unfortunately, it is a bit of a double-edged sword. If a sudden loud noise happens, it can easily break the surgeon’s concentration. This can include someone shouting into the room, or even just colleagues speaking to each other within the room.
Even the most straightforward of operations have numerous steps to them. Any time a surgeon’s attention ends up diminished, it increases the possibility of something happening.
