Compassionate and standard operating procedure-based counseling and practice are essential in high-risk infantile anesthesia and managing death in eye surgery

ABSTRACT

Physicians have to play the role of a team leader and counselor and take written informed consent for high?risk surgeries in many cases. This is the first step toward initiating a mutually trustworthy relationship with the patient and family. The situation is more sensitive when vulnerable patients like small premature babies or the elderly are under consideration. In the event of a death, leadership and processes in place become extremely critical. We share our experience and practice pattern during this process, especially suited to India, but the broad principles would apply to most human situations. Hopefully, some of these can be incorporated into the existing training curriculum for team building and the art of effective physician?patient communication that should be intricately woven into the curriculum for the Science of Ophthalmic care.