Connecticut Medical Malpractice: Reducing Errors in Surgery By Limiting Mobile Usage

A series of studies have established the likelihood for medical malpractice errors in the operating room. Both surgeons and surgical staff can be distracted by mobile devices during surgery and these distractions combined with a deviation from the standard of care can cause the patient significant permanent injuries, including death.

Just like distracted driving, distractions in the operating room can have the same impact. Hospitals are working to establish mobile device policies for personal use in the surgical suite.

If you or your loved one is scheduled for a surgical procedure, you may want to consider asking the surgeon some of these questions prior to the procedure:

1. What is the surgeon’s personal policy on using his/her mobile device in the operating room?
2. What is the hospital or healthcare facility’s policy on cell phone use in the operating room?

Some hospitals use mobile devices to streamline their processes. It is important to know how your surgeon and hospital are utilizing these procedures when operating.
If you or your loved one was permanently injured during a surgical procedure and you question the quality of care you received, find out if you have a medical malpractice case. Our doctor/attorney, Bob Messey, and nurse/attorney, Gayle Sullivan, will begin an immediate medical and legal investigation into your case.