Not only are mobile phones no longer prohibited in hospitals, they are even very present in the operating room. Indeed, surgeons and anesthetists do not leave their cell phones in the locker room … Surfing the Internet in the middle of a surgical operation is even frequent, according to a recent survey presented to the congress of the American Anesthesia Society.
Another study published a few months earlier made the same observation among perfusionists, those professionals who artificially maintain blood circulation during open heart operations in particular. Well, 55% of them call during these operations and almost half text. 15% even admit going on the internet …
But why are cell phones allowed into operating theaters?
In fact, if Smartphones and other touch tablets have been authorized in the holy of holies, the block is to improve patient safety. Indeed, the medical files are computerized and being able to consult all the data concerning the patient can avoid errors, in particular the use of an anesthetic product to which the patient would be allergic. The digital hell described by some American doctors was therefore paved with good intentions …
And in France, do surgeons also surf the Internet when their patient is on the operating table?
Data is lacking on the subject. But maybe the American experience will give us pause for thought: two patients are taking their doctors to court. They accuse them of having made a mistake because they called. They realized this since they were not under general anesthesia. One of them, paralyzed, said that his neurosurgeon had made several personal calls… thanks to his hands-free kit.
In addition, we now know that our cell phone is covered with germs!
About a year and a half ago, researchers at the University of Manchester told us, in fact, that our cell phone would contain five times more bacteria than a toilet seat. For that alone, they are therefore not welcome in the operating room. On the other hand, in the rooms, no more problem. Patients can keep it close at hand. Latest generation phones would no longer interfere with the smooth running of devices. You just need to show good manners so as not to disturb your roommate …
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