The use of social media has become the norm in our society. According to a survey performed by the Pew Research Center earlier this year, .73 percent of online adults are active on social media sites—90 percent of those aged 18-29, and 78 percent of adults 30-49. On average, social media users aged 18-34 spend nearly four hours each day on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn; those aged 35-49 spend three hours daily on social media. Not surprisingly, social media is frequently used during working hours thanks to the explosion of smartphone ownership. Unfortunately, this has extended to the medical field as well, where the phenomenon of “distracted doctoring” is growing.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has issued a position statement on mobile device usage in the operating room. The paper acknowledges the many positives that come from tablet and smartphone use, including immediate access to needed information, but also warns of the risks to the patient if these devices are used in a way that distracts from patient care.

Survey Finds Cell Phone Use in Operating Rooms

The AANA paper points to surveys which show distracted doctoring is becoming a real problem. In 2010, over 400 perfusionists – medical professionals who operate bypass machines during heart surgery – were surveyed regarding their use of cell phones and other electronic devices during procedures. The results are alarming:

•55.6 percent of respondents said they had used a cell phone during a cardiopulmonary bypass

•49.2 percent admitted to sending text messages during a procedure

•For those who had smartphones, 21 percent acknowledged accessing their email, 15 percent surfing the Internet, and 3 percent checked social media while working in the operating room.

This same group apparently had reservations about this dangerous practice. Almost eight out of 10 (78.3 percent) said they were concerned about cell phone use putting surgical patients at risk.

According to a New York Times article, a medical malpractice attorney in Colorado settled a medical malpractice case against a neurosurgeon after it came out that the surgeon had made no fewer than 10 phone calls while operating on a patient who became paralyzed as a result. An Oregon hospital, meanwhile, admitted to having to discipline a nurse caught checking airfares on a computer in the operating room.

Dangers are always present during surgery, but when doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professions take unnecessary risks, or practice distracted doctoring, preventable errors may occur. If you suspect a family member has been harmed or died due to a doctor’s mistake, contact our malpractice attorneys who are experienced in handling matters of medical malpractice.