Nearly 20 percent of surveyed anesthesiologists never recovered from medical errors to patients that caused a serious injury or death, according to research published in Anesthesia & Analgesia.
The study authors sent surveys to 1,200 randomly selected members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. A total of 659 anesthesiologists returned the survey. Results from those responses showed 84 percent were involved in at least one death or serious injury during his or her career. Of these physicians, more than 70 percent experience feelings of guilt, anxiety and reliving the event. While 88 percent reported recovery over time, 19 percent reported never having fully recovered. In addition, 12 percent considered a career change in the aftermath of an adverse event.
The researchers concluded medical errors may have a "profound and lasting emotional impact" on anesthesiologists and affect their ability to provide care.
The study authors sent surveys to 1,200 randomly selected members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. A total of 659 anesthesiologists returned the survey. Results from those responses showed 84 percent were involved in at least one death or serious injury during his or her career. Of these physicians, more than 70 percent experience feelings of guilt, anxiety and reliving the event. While 88 percent reported recovery over time, 19 percent reported never having fully recovered. In addition, 12 percent considered a career change in the aftermath of an adverse event.
The researchers concluded medical errors may have a "profound and lasting emotional impact" on anesthesiologists and affect their ability to provide care.
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