Editor's Note The Best in OR Business Award will be presented on Thursday, February 1, at the 2018 OR Business Management Conference to Karlene Power, MSN, BSN, RN, system executive director, perioperative service line, at Banner Health in Phoenix. The award recognizes an individual who makes complex logistical decisions, meets scheduling…

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Editor's Note Business managers in need of cost-saving strategies won’t want to miss the opportunities to learn from their colleagues on Thursday, February 1, during the 2018 OR Business Management Conference. Effective inventory management is one obvious strategy, but how to reduce supplies while still satisfying providers is not always…

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Editor's Note Running an efficient OR and meeting physicians’ expectations are two of the conundrums facing any perioperative services director or business manager on a daily basis. Several sessions at the 2018 OR Business Management Conference take on these thorny issues. Three success stories of particular interest will be presented…

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Editor's Note Attendees at the 2018 OR Business Management Conference will relax and refresh with drinks, food, and a convivial atmosphere at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, January 31. The reception, which will be held at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, is sponsored by Bryton Corporation, Diversified’s Medical Innovation Group,…

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Editor's Note Making a business case—whether for major equipment purchases, streamlining supplies and inventory, or standardizing workflow—is something all OR business managers do, but with varying levels of success. To get approval for a new initiative, it’s essential to collect accurate data and deliver it effectively. A preconference workshop at…

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Editor's Note Ever-changing healthcare delivery and payment models present constant challenges. Expert advice on shifting from a volume- to a value-based system will be offered during the opening keynote session on Wednesday, January 31, at the 2018 OR Business Management Conference in San Antonio. David Wildebrandt, MHA, managing director at…

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Editor's Note Physicians are more likely to leave the profession or reduce their hours if they are uncomfortable using electronic health records (EHRs), the January 24 Medical Economics reports. Although EHRs have the potential to enhance quality of care and clinical coordination, they also increase risk of physician burnout, reduce…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on January 24 announced that its January Quick Safety examines second victim experiences and safety actions to consider, and it also includes an anonymous, personal story of a Joint Commission employee who is a second victim. Though the patient and family are the priority for…

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Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on January 18 announced the recall by AuroMedics (East Windsor, New Jersey) of one lot of Levofloxacin in 5% Dextrose Injection 250 mg/50 mL in a single-use flexible container (NDC 55150-243-46, Lot CLF160003, Expiry date May 2018). The product has been found…

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Editor's Note In this experimental laboratory study, all cleaning and rinsing methods tested were effective in reducing the levels of organic residues on laparoscopic instruments. Four methods were examined: manual-only cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water manual cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water, followed by ultrasonic cleaning without…

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