Hypothetical situation

[coffeebythelake]

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I've been reading about how pilots deal with situations where -- even jokingly -- a passenger asks if they have been drinking. There is no tolerance for this. Pilot removes self from flight duties. Flight gets cancelled. Pilot goes to get drug tested and breathalyzer performed.

What would you do if a patient asks you if you have been drinking before you are to take care of them? We work in a field where substance use and access is probably easier than most other medical professionals. We also work in a field where complications occur, and you could potentially have this hovering over your head if something bad actually occurred. Would you cancel the surgery to clear your name, however stupidly joking the patient is?

 

[IMGASMD]

They have to do this if anyone questions them? That’s a bit extreme, no?

I’ve had a drink last night, this morning, before I came to hospital today? Would that make any difference?

It’s hard to test for alcohol after a few hours. Even harder for fentanyl, or propofol. I know you can do hair testing for fentanyl, but then what?

Didn’t we have a discussion recently regarding pain medicine, benzo and/or psych meds? What should we do then?

 

[Consigliere]

I'd tell them the truth - no. This is a non-issue.

 

[IlDestriero]

I’d just say no. And probably give them the “You probably should stop smoking meth” look.
I suppose if it was an actual allegation vs a dumb question, like “did you get a good nights sleep?” I’d have to reconsider how to proceed. If they are accusing you of being intoxicated they’re going to be complaining to the hospital leadership as well. That’s probably a job for risk management to get awakened at 1am to deal with. If it were the other way around and I thought the surgeon or anesthesiologist looked impaired there’s no way I would proceed.
I’m not sure why someone would say that, but waking me from 2 hours of sleep does make me look bleary eyed, fatigued, etc.

 

[IMGASMD]

“did you get a good nights sleep?”

Along with, “how long have you been doing this, you look young”; “Have you done this before?”


“You can always have the procedure without me being here.”