Why in some cases such as when a dr is giving an epidural the family of the patient can't be in the room? Why?

Answer 1

1. Sterility concerns - if you get an infection in the epidural space, it's quite serious.

2. Legal concerns - some anesthesiologists are afraid that any little thing noticed by an untrained observer could come back to haunt them.

3. Some family members are distracting, obnoxious, and make our job more difficult. Some anesthesiologists just have a rule that nobody stays, instead of trying to figure out who the idiots are ahead of time.

4. Medical procedures are not spectator sports. If you're there to support the patient, OK. If you're there to be a spectator, question my every move and threaten to sue me, you're not welcome. I've also had family members in the room who upset the patient by saying inappropriate things, or who have come close to passing out (it IS a HUGE needle, after all).

5. Every procedure carries risk, and in some situations, the risk is high enough that we don't want extra people in the way.

I usually allow one person in the room, unless the family makes it clear that there's going to be a problem before I start. Then, everybody goes, or I don't even start.

Answer 2

This is common for all medical procedures/ physical exams done, not just epidurals. I ask family members to leave for most procedures unless there is a good reason for them to be with the patient (ex: the patient is a child, translator is needed etc.) It gives the patient privacy and the provider has less distraction to deal with.

Answer 3

Sometimes it is because the patient may be undraped and it for the patient's privacy. Other times it is so there is not another patient (when the patient's family member faints) for the staff to deal with in the middle of a procedure.

Answer 4

The doctor need to concentrate on what he is doing and on his parient--not be distracted by other things/people. The patient need to concentrate also--not to move and such. distractions are not needed. Also--if a mistake should be made/accidents happen--the doctor needs his full concentration--not distractions of other people.