New technology tracks blood loss, reduces transfusions
Blood loss during labor and delivery (L&D) and surgical procedures can lead to serious complications that might be prevented with early detection; however, detection can be challenging. For example, clinicians have traditionally estimated blood loss visuallyโa subjective and often inaccurate process. Humansโ eyes simply arenโt good at making precise measurements,…
Interactive surgical playbook expands OR team synergy
OR leaders spend much of their day ensuring the surgery schedule runs smoothly, a task that depends on the teams within each of the ORs. Highly functioning teams produce optimal results, including good patient outcomes, satisfied surgeons, and efficient use of resources. But developing a highly functional team with good…
Staff input enriches labor benchmarking data
Labor is the most important resource in an OR and must be used effectively to maintain the financial health of an organization and the well-being of patients. โOR leaders need data tools to manage their labor dollars. How do you know if you are doing it well?โ asks Sharon Ulep,…
Gain and sustain staff satisfaction through trust and respect
The trust bestowed upon the nursing profession by the public is a privilege and requires professional accountability for continual practice enhancement. Research finds that efforts to improve the culture of the perioperative work environment consistently lead to better teamwork and communication among staff. These enhancements will positively impact the safety…
Hats on! How ASC administrators manage multiple roles
It is not unusual for OR leaders to perform many different roles: Boss, mentor, coach, facilitator, or participant, to name some. Administrators in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) likewise are tasked with many different responsibilities, often shifting among multiple roles within the same day. With the rapid growth in volume and…
Variation in physiciansโ EHR documentation linked to patient safety
Editor's Note Physician-to-physician variation in electronic health record (EHR) documentation could result in patient harm and clinical inefficiencies, this study finds. The study by University of Michigan researchers included EHR data from 170,332 encounters led by 809 physicians in 237 practices and interviews with 40 physicians in 10 practices. The…
CDC investigating sepsis cases after platelet transfusions
Editor's Note The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced June 14 in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that four hospital patients developed sepsis after receiving platelet transfusions contaminated with bacteria. The CDC found that the platelets contained Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The agency is still…
Thank you for registering for the July 18, 2019 webinar
Thank you for registering for the The Heat Is On: Understanding the Impact of Heat Stress on OR Staffโs Physiological and Psychological Wellness webinar. You should receive a confirmation email shortly with instructions on how to access the webinar. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at…
[Free Webinar] The Heat Is On: Understanding the Impact of Heat Stress on OR Staffโs Physiological and Psychological Wellness
The Heat Is On: Understanding the Impact of Heat Stress on OR Staffโs Physiological and Psychological Wellness Thursday, July 18, 2019 | 12:00 p.m. โ 1:00 p.m. ET | 1 CE Join us for this free webinar where you will learn about the unique challenges associated with managing heat stress…
Nurses have increased risk of sleep disorders, deprivation
Editor's Note Academic medical center nurses have a high prevalence of insufficient sleep and symptoms of sleep disorders, finds this study presented June 10 at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, in San Antonio. A survey of 1,165 nurses at an academic medical center found that: 49%…