USask researchers win CAS award for work on patient safety
The researchers have interviewed over 200 anesthesiologists across Canada. Many underestimated the risk of airway cuffs pressure beyond safe range.
By FEDERICA GIANNELLITwo University of Saskatchewan anesthesiology residents working to improve patient safety have received an award from the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society (CAS), as part of the society’s annual meeting this week. A third researcher is one of six finalists for the Residents’ Competition.
“This award provides important recognition for the significant work of our residents in research that positively impacts patient care, and for the critical role of our medical school and its researchers in delivering healthcare improvements,” said Preston Smith, dean of the U of S College of Medicine.
Researchers Stefan Kojic and Fabio Magistris were awarded the Ian White Patient Safety Award for their research on potential damage caused by an artificial airway with balloon-like cuffs that provide a seal to anesthetized patients’ airways.
By measuring the pressure in these cuffs, Kojic and Magistris’ study shows that most patients had airway cuff pressures outside of the safe range, leading to an increased risk of permanent airway damage. When they interviewed over 200 anesthesiologists across Canada, many underestimated the risk or were unaware of it, said Kojic.
Read the full story on the University of Saskatchewan website.