Smarter staffing, room utilization models improve the bottom line
Editor's Note Running an efficient OR and meeting physicians’ expectations are two of the conundrums facing any perioperative services director or business manager on a daily basis. Several sessions at the 2018 OR Business Management Conference take on these thorny issues. Three success stories of particular interest will be presented…
San Antonio welcomes conference attendees
Editor's Note Attendees at the 2018 OR Business Management Conference will relax and refresh with drinks, food, and a convivial atmosphere at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, January 31. The reception, which will be held at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, is sponsored by Bryton Corporation, Diversified’s Medical Innovation Group,…
Preconference workshop provides presentation ‘power tools’
Editor's Note Making a business case—whether for major equipment purchases, streamlining supplies and inventory, or standardizing workflow—is something all OR business managers do, but with varying levels of success. To get approval for a new initiative, it’s essential to collect accurate data and deliver it effectively. A preconference workshop at…
Conference keynotes offer advice on biggest management challenges
Editor's Note Ever-changing healthcare delivery and payment models present constant challenges. Expert advice on shifting from a volume- to a value-based system will be offered during the opening keynote session on Wednesday, January 31, at the 2018 OR Business Management Conference in San Antonio. David Wildebrandt, MHA, managing director at…
Physicians negatively affected by EHRs
Editor's Note Physicians are more likely to leave the profession or reduce their hours if they are uncomfortable using electronic health records (EHRs), the January 24 Medical Economics reports. Although EHRs have the potential to enhance quality of care and clinical coordination, they also increase risk of physician burnout, reduce…
Joint Commission Quick Safety reports on supporting second victims
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on January 24 announced that its January Quick Safety examines second victim experiences and safety actions to consider, and it also includes an anonymous, personal story of a Joint Commission employee who is a second victim. Though the patient and family are the priority for…
FDA: AuroMedics recalls one lot of Levofloxacin
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on January 18 announced the recall by AuroMedics (East Windsor, New Jersey) of one lot of Levofloxacin in 5% Dextrose Injection 250 mg/50 mL in a single-use flexible container (NDC 55150-243-46, Lot CLF160003, Expiry date May 2018). The product has been found…
Study: Manual, automated cleaning equally effective for laparoscopes
Editor's Note In this experimental laboratory study, all cleaning and rinsing methods tested were effective in reducing the levels of organic residues on laparoscopic instruments. Four methods were examined: manual-only cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water manual cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water, followed by ultrasonic cleaning without…
ECRI Institute releases ‘Top 10 Hospital C-suite Watch List’
Editor's Note The ECRI Institute on January 22 announced the released its annual “Top 10 Hospital C-suite Watch List." Among the new and emerging innovations to watch are: Acuity-adaptable rooms, where hospitals keep a patient in the same room from admission to discharge, regardless of acuity level. Insertable cardiac monitors…
FDA: Baxter recalls another lot of injectable amiodarone
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on January 23 announced the expansion by Baxter (Deerfield, Illinois) of its recall of Nexterone (amiodarone HCL) 150 mg/100 mL premixed injection to include a second lot (NC 109123). Lot NC 109925 was recalled in November 2017. The recall was initiated…