OR leaders discuss hybrid ORs at OR Manager Conference Town Hall

A highlight of this year’s OR Manager Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, was an interactive hybrid OR exhibit with products from 15 companies.

During a special Town Hall on Thursday, October 8, members of the Hybrid OR Steering Committee answered questions from conference attendees seeking information about what’s involved in planning and building these rooms.

Committee members Rohit Inamdar, MSc, DABR, with ECRI Institute, Plymouth, Pennsylvania; Sharman Lisieski, BS, RN, CNOR, with Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Springs, New York; Tamara Mayne, BSN, RN, with University of Colorado Hospital-Inpatient Operating Room, Aurora; Patricia C. Seifert, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA(e), FAAN, with Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, Virginia; and Dorothy Urschel, MS, MBA, RN, ACNP-C, NEA-BC, St. Peter’s Health Partners, Albany, New York shared their expertise with a standing-room only audience and answered questions ranging from which stakeholders are essential for the process to choosing the right equipment.

The discussion focused on “real-world” issues. For example, in response to an audience question about needing to have a multifunctional hybrid OR Inamdar said, “You have to think more carefully about the equipment.” That includes evaluating imaging software and hybrid tables. Other tips included accessing vendor resources such as education opportunities, and assembling a broad team of stakeholders.

Participants with hybrid ORs also shared some “lessons learned” with the attendees.

Participants, many of whom are just starting on their hybrid OR journey, valued the opportunity to tap into the experts’ knowledge. “This was a wonderful, collaborative presentation,” said one.