HCWsโ religious, personal convictions behind vaccine avoidance
Editor's Note This study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrates how detailed healthcare workersโ (HCWsโ) personal or religious convictions are behind their vaccine avoidance. VUMC requires that all faculty and staff receive the influenza vaccine annually or receive an approved vaccine exemption. All personal and religious exemption…
ISMP releases perioperative medication safety tool
Editor's Note The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), on May 18, released a new perioperative medication safety self assessment to help hospitals, ASCs, and other surgery settings evaluate their medication practices and identify challenges and opportunities for improvement. The tool also offers providers a way to document compliance with…
Consumer views on use of digital data for COVID-19 control
Editor's Note This survey study of US adults found that many were averse to their information being used on digital platforms to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. Of 6,284 adults surveyed, 3,547 responded, for a completion rate of 56%. Approval was generally low (28% to 43%) for use of consumer digital data…
CMS extends ASC quality data reporting deadline
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced May 17 that it has extended the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) program data submission deadline from Monday, May 17, to Monday, July 19, 2021. The extension provides ASCs with more time to obtain HARP [Health Care Quality…
Humble giants of leadership
This series, written by OR Managerโs clinical editor, Judy Mathias, MA, RN, presents the management approaches of top leaders from around the country and describes the qualities that make them exemplary leaders. These articles are intended to inspire nurse leaders to achieve the highest levels of success in their careers…
First assistants bring expertise and efficiency to the OR table--Part 2
First assistants (FAs) can play an important role in achieving optimal outcomes and higher surgical case volumes. Part 1 of this two-part series discussed types, education, and certification of FAs (OR Manager, May 2021, pp 1, 15-18). Part 2 answers questions related to risk management and oversight, and discusses possible…
Editorial
A year ago at this time, healthcare facilities were busy resuming elective procedures that had been put on hold because of COVID-19โa feat that required agility, innovation, and collaboration to ensure staff and patient safety amid the ongoing pandemic. Itโs remarkable that multiple vaccines have since been developed and administered…
Beware of unconscious bias influence on clinical outcomes
Does compassionate care really matter? Clinical evidence points to a resounding Yes. โWhen healthcare providers take the time to make human connections that help end suffering, patient outcomes improve, and medical costs decrease. Among other benefits, compassion reduces pain, improves healing, lowers blood pressure, and helps alleviate depression and anxiety,โ…
Patients deserve better healthcare price transparency
Reforms are underway to curb surprise billing practices, with new federal government regulations due to be published by July 1 as part of the No Surprises Act passed by Congress in late 2020. Among many other provisions, the new law will require insurance providers to be more transparent about prices…
ANSI/AAMI ST79 amendments refine sterilization practices
Amendments have been added to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standard ANSI/AAMI ST79, Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance in Health Care Facilities. The standard, which is used in healthcare facilities to guide their sterilization processes, is considered a useful resource to promote best…