Though minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is associated with lower postoperative complication rates, little is known about the cost savings resulting from the reduced rates. Researchers led by Martin Makary, MD, professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, designed a study to calculate the projected cost savings…

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Certain words and phrases are used frequently in nursing—sometimes so frequently that their true meaning is lost. For some, the term “shared governance” is one of those. What is shared governance? “A dynamic staff-leader partnership that promotes collaboration, shared decision making, and accountability for improving quality of care, safety, and…

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Most hospitals use some form of performance dashboard to communicate with surgeons and hospital senior leadership. The dashboard is intended to show the efficiency of processes within the surgical suite. However, to be truly effective, the dashboard must provide accurate, reliable, and useful information. Does your dashboard do what you…

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Most OR leaders are talented nurses who have risen through the ranks. They have strong clinical expertise but usually little background in financial management. And only about a third of OR directors have a business manager on staff. Recently, senior leaders at Surgical Directions discussed the question, “What financial concepts…

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Like all healthcare facilities, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) generate medical waste. Some of that waste is well known to be hazardous, such as blood, tissue, or used needles and syringes. Another type of waste is leftover medication, which is subject to its own regulations and disposal practices. Compliance is a…

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In the months since Ebola patients were first treated in US hospitals, much progress has been made in establishing protocols to protect patients and healthcare workers from harm. Though the number of Ebola patients in the US remains small compared with the thousands in African countries, the disease continues to…

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Some 300 surgical services leaders from across the US gathered in Orlando in February for the OR Business Management Conference to escape from winter and absorb the collective wisdom of a stellar group of presenters and exhibitors. Presentations on Lean management, scheduling innovations, staff relationships, nurse education, and cost-saving measures—to…

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Every perioperative services staff member, at every level, contributes to the success or failure of the department. Exceptional leaders understand this, and they are most successful when they discourage intimidation and invite everyone to take ownership of their roles. Teamwork in the OR is the next frontier in quality perioperative…

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