OR leaders report strong job satisfaction but weak compensation
Despite continued challenges ranging from declining reimbursements to finding qualified staff, most OR leaders (71%) are satisfied with their jobs, according to the 2017 annual OR Manager Salary/Career Survey. However, they are less inclined to view some parts of that job favorably. Slightly more than half (55%) are satisfied with…
Successful onboarding of surgeons makes good business sense
Perioperative staff complete a thorough orientation to ease their transition into a new job, but what about surgeons? How are they onboarded into a new OR? This isn’t an academic question—effective onboarding is key to the success, including financial success, of the OR. “To have someone walk through the door…
Editorial
Since July, when repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) stalled, healthcare reform has been somewhat overshadowed by events such as natural disasters and concerns about national security. Now, with insurers due to announce rates for the coming year, Congress is working on a bill to stabilize the…
PACU patient flow improves with CRNA assistance
Throughput inefficiencies are a growing problem in surgical services departments. Patients are held in the OR because there is no room in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and patients are held in the PACU because there are no beds available in the patient care unit or because outpatients having major…
Efficiency efforts improve staff satisfaction with turnover time
Cost mitigation has become a priority in the American healthcare industry, and addressing inefficiencies is a popular way to curb the high cost of medical care. Decreasing turnover time between cases may pave the way for additional cases to be scheduled, theoretically leading to increased revenue for the hospital. However,…
ASC leaders like their jobs despite stagnant salaries
Despite the turmoil in healthcare, leaders of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are a highly satisfied group, with 83% having a favorable view of their current position, according to the OR Manager 2017 Salary/Career Survey. But ASC leaders are markedly less satisfied when it comes to their compensation, with 60% viewing…
CMS proposes delay for mandatory implementation of OAS CAHPS Survey
Responding to industry concerns, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a delay in the mandatory implementation of the patient experience of care satisfaction survey requirement known as the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Survey® (OAS CAHPS). CMS announced the proposed…
Effect of perceived stress and coping abilities on health of nurses
Editor's Note The combined influence of stress perception and perceived coping abilities affect the health and work performance of nurses, this study finds. Of 120 nurses surveyed, in general: 92% had moderate-to-very high stress levels 78% slept less than 8 hours per night 69% did not exercise regularly 63% consumed…
CMS granting exemptions for providers affected by Hurricane Irma
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is granting exemptions under Medicare quality reporting and value-based purchasing programs for certified providers (eg, acute care hospitals, long-term care hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers) affected by storms and flooding from Hurricane Irma. Providers will be granted exemptions without having to…
FDA updates Safety Alert for urogynecologic surgical mesh by Boston Scientific
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 19 updated its Safety Alert for urogynecologic surgical mesh manufactured by Boston Scientific. After an extensive review of data and testing, the FDA has determined that the change in supplier of the polypropylene used to manufacture the mesh currently on…