Supportive system synergizes presurgical patient optimization
The better a patient’s overall health prior to undergoing surgery, the more likely a good surgical outcome. Research has demonstrated the benefits of prehabilitation and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, and many healthcare facilities have embedded such practices into their surgical patient care pathways. At UPMC Central Pennsylvania Region in…
Survey: ASC leaders continue to feel pandemic pain
Staff turnover and open positions have increased in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) during the past year, according to the 2021 OR Manager Salary/Career Survey, indicating the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. About half (49%) of ASC leaders reported increased RN turnover (more than double the 24% in 2020), and…
Maintaining a productive OR as cases shift to ASCs
The migration of surgical procedures from hospital ORs to hospital-owned ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) is picking up speed. According to a recent survey, three-quarters of larger hospitals now have an ownership stake in more than one ASC. Two-thirds of US health systems are currently planning to increase their ASC investment.…
Impact of COVID-19 on emergency adult surgical patients, surgical services
Editor's Note This international multicenter study led by UK researchers finds that the first wave of COVID-19 significantly impacted surgical patients in peak months—directly by comorbid infections and indirectly by increasing mortality, irrespective of COVID-19 status. In this analysis of 3,176 emergency adult surgical patients from 18 countries (between March…
1,850 US hospitals now mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for HCWs
Editor's Note American Hospital Association statistics show that 1,850 US hospitals, or nearly 30%, have now announced COVID-19 vaccination mandates for their healthcare workers (HCWs), the August 17 Becker’s Hospital Review reports. Several states, including California, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Main, also are requiring HCWs to get vaccinated.…
Effect of vaccine type, prior COVID-19 infection on symptoms, antibodies after HCW vaccination
Editor's Note This study by Johns Hopkins researchers finds that regardless of vaccine reaction or prior COVID-19 infection, both mRNA vaccines provide a robust antibody response in healthcare workers (HCWs). Questionnaires and serum samples were collected from 954 HCWs at 14 or more days after their second doses of either…
Chamberlain University, AORN initiative prepares nursing students for the OR
Editor's Note Chamberlain University, which has the largest nursing school in the US, and AORN have teamed up to address the critical shortage of OR nurses. In early 2022, Chamberlain will begin a 16-week online training module in perioperative nursing, with content developed by AORN, at its campuses in Chicago,…
Hospital-acquired COVID-19 in UK’s first pandemic wave
Editor's Note This study finds that 11.3% of COVID-19 patients in the UK caught the infection while in the hospital during the first wave of the pandemic, and this proportion increased to at least 15.8% by May 2020. Of 82,624 patients admitted to 314 hospitals before August 1, 2020, between…
AORN to launch ‘Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of RSI’
Editor's Note AORN announced on August 15 that it will launch a new “Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of RSI.” Facilities will be recognized as Centers of Excellence for implementing a surgical team-based program to prevent retained surgical items (RSI). The complimentary program, sponsored by the AORN Foundation…
US workers divided on COVID-19 vaccination mandates
Editor's Note New research from Qualtrics finds that 44% of US workers would think about leaving their jobs if their employers introduced a vaccine mandate, the August 19 Quartz at Work reports. This number is up from 39% in March; however, 38% said they would consider leaving their jobs if…