Market forces affecting the ambulatory surgery industry
Ambulatory is the term the industry is โstuck withโ because that is the name the founders came up with in 1970, says David Shapiro, MD, CASC, CPHRM, LHR, an anesthesiologist with extensive experience in ambulatory surgery management and a member of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) board.…
Procedure leading to faster recovery for hysterectomy patients may reverse decline in vaginal hysterectomies
Editor's Note This recent study published in early 2023 by the Journal of the Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons highlights that the total number of benign hysterectomies being performed in the US has decreased, with vaginal hysterectomies declining by 19% over 2 years. Only 12% of hysterectomies for benign…
Effect of augmented reality on perioperative anxiety
Editor's Note This study from the University of Miami examines the effect of a preoperative walkthrough of a patientโs day of surgery using augmented reality (AR) on perioperative anxiety levels. A total of 95 patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery at an outpatient surgery center were randomized to an AR intervention…
AI can help nurses balance workloads, avoid burnout
Editor's Note In an August 14 interview with HealthLeaders Media, David Benton, PhD, RN, RGN, FRCN, FAAN, CEO of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, says artificial intelligence (AI) has important roles in training nursing students, balancing nurse workloads, and managing patient care, which ultimately helps reduce stress…
NQF joins The Joint Commission as an affiliate
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on August 16, announced a strategic affiliation with the National Quality Forum (NQF) in an effort to accelerate improvements across the continuum of patient care and change the focus from competing measures to advancing key outcomes. The NQF will maintain its independence in developing consensus-based…
Nursesโ resilience and intentions to quit during COVID-19
Editor's Note This study from Finland examines nursesโ assessments of their resilience, job satisfaction, quality of care, and intentions to quit during the third wave of COVID-19. A total of 437 Finnish RNs responded to an electronic survey. The findings show that: nurses had good resilience, but a significant proportion…
OR Manager Conference: Education extends through Exhibit Hall
Editor's Note Kicking off in less than one month, the 2023 OR Manager Conference will offer valuable education for the perioperative leader, as well as opportunities to forge relationships with vendor partners and source innovative solutions for healthcare facilities. The exhibit hall hosts more than 130 companies featuring products and…
Study: Surgeon communication with patients on innovative procedures
Editor's Note This study from the UK finds that patients are not given sufficient information about innovative surgical procedures and their potential risks and uncertainties. Researchers collected data on seven cases, using preoperative interviews with surgeons, audio-recorded consultations during which innovative procedures were discussed between surgeons and patients, and postoperative…
The Joint Commission issues Sentinel Event Alert on patient safety after a cyberattack
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on August 15, issued โSentinel Event Alert 67: Preserving patient safety after a cyberattack.โ The Alert focuses on risks associated with cyberattacks and provides recommendations on how healthcare organizations can deliver safe patient care if a cyberattack occurs. Actions suggested by The Joint Commission include:…
FDA: Class I recall of certain Philips Respironics ventilators
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on August 14, identified the recall by Philips Respironics of its Trilogy Evo, Evo 02, EV300, and Evo Universal Ventilators as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated after detecting dust and dirt from the environment in the air path…