Some complex medical devices cannot withstand high-temperature sterilization. An alternative is low-temperature sterilization, which works for heat- and moisture-sensitive devices. There are different types of low-temperature sterilizers, and this article will review them.   Spaulding classification A deciding factor in whether an instrument can undergo high-level disinfection is the Spaulding…

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OR Manager occasionally receives contributed articles about process improvements, cost savings, or technological innovations that have benefited a particular facility. Often times, process improvements are made by conducting Lean-based exercises, and money is saved by switching to a different product or standardizing supplies. The most important players in implementing any…

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Type 1 natural rubber latex allergic reactions are avoidable in the OR. Typically, surgical gloves are the last products remaining in the OR that contain natural rubber latex (NRL). Higher-cost, clinically acceptable synthetic latex surgical gloves are readily available. However, OR leaders can encounter significant resistance from hospital administrators when…

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Many OR leaders have taken on process improvement projects in an effort to save time and money, and some are more successful than others. For some facilities, partnerships with industry experts can enhance the likelihood of achieving and sustaining goals. Such was the case for Beloit Memorial Hospital, which teamed…

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Total joint replacements have grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to an aging population and advances in surgical techniques and pain management. As a result, many healthcare facilities have added joint and spine procedures to their service lines. Others would like to know how to do this. What’s involved in…

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Emotional intelligence is a phrase bandied about in the literature and lay press, but what exactly is it and why should OR leaders care about it? Emotional intelligence (EI) is linked to higher levels of patient, staff, and physician satisfaction as well as patient safety. As such, it’s an important…

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Healthcare, business, and political leaders convened at the World Healthcare Congress in Washington, DC, in April to discuss payment, regulatory reforms, new technology, and evolving models of patient care. During the Nurse Leadership Summit portion of the conference, a session on population health management was noteworthy. Panel members discussed transitional…

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Although many healthcare providers are still struggling to implement a value-based payment (VBP) model, everyone knows that the train has left the station and adjustments must be made. Shifting to a VBP system, expanding surgical patient care to “population health,” and developing a new generation of perioperative nurses are among…

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