To Err is Human: Preventable Anesthetic Mistakes

This session will examine common preventable anesthetic errors, including equipment failures, drug administration mistakes, monitoring oversights, and communication breakdowns. Participants will explore real-world case examples and learn practical strategies for reducing human error through checklists, standard operating procedures, and team-based approaches to patient safety. The goal is to foster a culture of continuous improvement that prioritizes patient safety and learning over blame.

• Recognize common preventable anesthetic errors and their potential impact on patient outcomes.
• Identify system-based factors that contribute to anesthetic mistakes in veterinary practice.
• Implement practical safety tools, including checklists and communication strategies, to reduce the risk of anesthesia-related errors.