The US News journey to introduce a new ‘best’ ASCs ranking
Some 800,000 knee replacements and 550,000 hip replacements are performed in the US each year. Factoring in the ever-expanding aging population, projections show the figure for knee replacements alone will explode to 3.5 million procedures being done annually by 2030โand that is just one type of procedure within a single…
Surgical ethics: Does money speak louder?
Although I am not a healthcare professional, working for OR Manager offers a peek behind the curtain. What I have learned so far has left me feeling a bit conflicted. When I took this job back in December, I assumed the hospital ecosystem was driven entirely by the Hippocratic Oath.…
Smart knee’s advance heralds future of proactive postop care
Takeaways Transmitting health metrics directly from a surgical implant reduces the need for in-person followup and offers more objective data on recovery than patient-reported measures. This technologyโs potential extends beyond knees. Whatever the nature of the treatment, postop monitoring is critical. Patient education is essential for setting up the data…
Collaborative leaders share strategies for gaining influence, building relationships
Takeaways Successful collaboration requires prioritizing teamwork and aligning new projects and ideas with the overarching goals of the organization. Strategies for making the case for a new project or initiative include establishing subject matter expertise, tailoring the message, and having a win-win mindset. The most influential leaders understand othersโ perspectives…
Unpacking the impact of private investment on innovation, ASCs
One privilege of living at this time in history is the availability of choice, especially for health and surgical needs. Those who make healthcare their business understand this as well. According to Tanna et al, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are spreading to rural areas, hospitals are creating hybrid outpatient surgery…
ASC management is a skill: A day in the administrator role
The administrator of an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) wears many hats, doing every odd job in the book to keep their free-standing center safe, compliant, and operational. But what does โwearing many hatsโ mean exactly? OR Manager spoke with Nyleen Flores, CPMSM, CPCS, CPCO, CASC, chief administrative officer at Lake…
Study on pre, postop opioid use reveals improvements needed for managing young patients
Editor's Note Many youths continue to take opioids months after undergoing surgery, according to a recent multi-institutional study published in JAMA Network. Medical Xpress covered the news July 11. Conducted by researchers from CHOP, Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford Medicine, the study found 1 in 6 youths…
Joint replacement patients getting younger amid technological advances, outpatient shift
Editor's Note An increasing number of young and middle-aged adults are opting for knee and hip replacements earlier in life, breaking the stereotype that such surgeries are primarily for seniors aged 65 or older. That is according to a July 24 article in U.S. News & World Report. Citing research…
AAMI updates guidelines on radiation sterilization validation, single-use systems control
Editor's Note In a new guidance document for manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has released a new guidance document updating best practices for radiation sterilization validation and routine control of single-use systems. The document, AAMI CR513:2024;ย Guidance on radiation sterilization validation and…
Study: Intraoperative DEX infusions effectively manage diabetes in cardiac surgery patients
Editor's Note Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) could help improve glycemic control and reduce insulin requirements in diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery, according to a July 25 article in Medical Dialogues. The article focuses on a prospective observational study published in the journal Annals of Cardiac Anesthesia. The study included…