Children’s Hospital Los Angeles designated a ‘Most Wired’ hospital
Editor's Note Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) announced July 11 that it has been designated a Health Care’s Most Wired 2017 by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum. Hospitals & Health Networks, an AHA publication, annually assesses the level of health information technology adoption in US hospitals and health…
AHRQ: Review of VTE prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery
Editor's Note A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) compares the effectiveness of strategies to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients having total hip replacement (THR), total knee replacement (TKR), or hip fracture surgery. The study directly compares different types of blood thinners and mechanical…
Distinguishing risk factors for SSIs after pancreatic surgery
Editor's Note Reporting of surgical site infections (SSIs) after pancreatic surgery should distinguish between superficial and organ-space infections, which will require different preventative strategies, this study finds. Results showed that risk factors for superficial and organ-space SSIs after pancreatic surgery differed. Preoperative biliary stenting was an independent risk factor for superficial…
Joint Commission revises 2018 Medication Management standards
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on July 12 announced revisions to its Medication Management standards that will become effective January 1, 2018. Among the revisions: Implementing a policy to provide emergency backup of medication dispensing equipment. Adding “wasting” of medication to required written policies. Implementing a policy for medication overrides…
Diverse workforce a boon, not a burden
Generational diversity issues in the workplace have never been more present or more complex. As many as six generations are now working side by side, and a great generational shift is underway. At one end of the spectrum, the workforce is aging, while at the other end, it is getting…
Hybrid OR experts plus exhibit equal exceptional education
Each year, the OR Manager Conference showcases the latest hybrid OR technology along with expert advice from clinicians and manufacturers. The 2017 conference (October 2-4 in Orlando, Florida) will feature an extensive exhibit and opportunities to interact with the Hybrid OR Steering Committee members (sidebar, p 15): • Monday, 2…
Editorial
The inaugural Bundled Payment Bootcamp on June 20 in Nashville, Tennessee, was a timely opportunity for healthcare providers to learn how reimbursement is changing the way they do business. Though the uncertain direction of US healthcare legislation continues to cause consternation, this workshop—which will be presented again in fall 2017—clarifies…
Conference closer reveals keys to engaging staff
Anyone who heard Vicki Hess, MS, RN, CSP, speak at the annual OR Manager Conference in 2013 probably remembers her lively, compelling message in the closing keynote presentation. Her interactive “Time Out!” talk left attendees with renewed energy and a take-home tool—a simple five-step “SHIFT” checklist to help OR managers…
Orthopedic PSH a prime model for value-based care--Part 1
Uncertainties pepper the healthcare landscape, but the shift to value-based care is expected to continue, even though momentum may slow under the current administration. That means perioperative services leaders must continue to explore new care delivery options such as the perioperative surgical home (sidebar, p 17). “The demand for value…
Novice OR nurses fill pipeline through effective education programs
Leaders seeking competent staff for the OR are increasingly training their own. These internal programs, typically targeted toward both new graduates and nurses without previous OR experience, require planning, organization, and follow-through. “You need to integrate the didactic with the clinical setting,” says Ellen Lord, MS, RN, CNOR, a perioperative…