Adverse Event Protocol for Interventional Pain Medicine: The Importance of an Organized Response

Abstract

Although a significant number of interventional pain therapies are performed in office and fluoroscopy suite settings, the incidence of adverse events associated with these procedures is unknown. To minimize patient morbidity and physician liability, the preparation for and response to such events should follow a standardized protocol. This article provides a detailed protocol for responding to adverse events associated with interventional pain procedures performed in private office or fluoroscopy suite settings. The purposes of this protocol are to ensure quality patient care during and after an adverse event, to promote a better understanding of staff responsibilities at those times, to decrease the likelihood that an adverse event will become life-threatening, to suggest an appropriate format for the documentation of such events, and to reduce the likelihood of the recurrence of adverse events from a similar cause. Adherence to this protocol may also mitigate professional liability.