#248 Beyond the Mask: An OpenAnesthesia Collaboration on Perioperative Drug Safety

Medication safety remains a cornerstone of anesthesia practice with complex environments and high-stakes decisions requiring vigilant attention to prevent errors. This collaboration between APSF and OpenAnesthesia spotlights critical aspects of perioperative drug safety with practical insights from Dr. Juan Li, a cardiothoracic anesthesia fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.• Perioperative anaphylaxis requires immediate recognition of cardiovascular, respiratory, and cutaneous manifestations• Neuromuscular blocking agents and antibiotics represent common triggers for anaphylactic reactions• Preoperative assessment must include thorough allergy history, medication reconciliation, and identification of drug-drug interactions• Standardized drug concentrations, preparation methods, and equipment minimize medication errors• Technology integration through barcode readers and computerized decision support enhances safety• Pharmacy support with pre-mixed solutions and pre-filled syringes reduces preparation errors• Post-operative monitoring remains critical for catching delayed medication reactions• Safety culture should emphasize root cause analysis rather than punishment for medication errors• Implementation of standard protocols is essential for managing new medications with limited safety dataVisit APSF.org and Openanesthesia.org for detailed information and resources on medication safety in anesthesia practice.For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/248-beyond-the-mask-an-openanesthesia-collaboration-on-perioperative-drug-safety/© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation