Capnography is a technology that measures how effectively a patient is breathing and can alert medical providers when life-threatening respiratory depression occurs. It has long been used in operating rooms and is making its way outside it. The Joint Commission, American Society of Anesthesiologists and Institute for Safe Medication Practices have all recommended monitoring patients with capnography to detect respiratory depression.
Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City (Ind.) recently expanded its use of capnography, and it is one of the early adopters of the new technology. “Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s use of capnography to monitor the adequacy of ventilation of patients outside the operating room is in line with the latest recommendations and underscores our dedication to patient safety,” said James Callaghan, MD, president of Franciscan-St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, according to the report.
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