Editor's Note Non-operative management (NOM) with antibiotics for pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis is both less expensive and slightly more effective than urgent laparoscopic appendectomy over a one-year period, according to a study published November 19 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The findings support the viability of NOM…
Editor's Note Curious to learn how hurricane-impacted health organizations are navigating supply chain challenges? What about the latest trends in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), AI-driven scheduling software, or the workings of the hospital C-suite? Designed specifically for perioperative business leaders seeking to optimize efficiency and increase profitability, the 2025 OR…
Editor's Note Early surgical intervention should be prioritized over endoscopy-first treatment in managing chronic pancreatitis with dilated pancreatic ducts, according to the results of a follow-up study of the ESCAPE randomized clinical trial. Published November 20 in JAMA Surgery, the findings specifically highlight pain relief, patient satisfaction, and need for…
Takeaways • The 3A Strategic Thinking Framework and the GOST Framework are examples of tools that can help make the abstract process of strategic thinking more concrete for perioperative leaders. • Carving out dedicated time for planning and fostering strategic thinking in others are important to achieve optimal results. •…
When a speaker at a recent conference asked if anyone had achieved a first-case on-time start (FCOTS) rate above 90%, Jay Parker, BSN, RN, could have been the only one in the room with his hand up. However, Parker was not inclined to call attention to himself. As director of…
Although certification can be a career accelerator for any nurse, perioperative nurses in particular appear to be getting the message. Consider the most recent data from the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc (ABPANC), which offers the Magnet-recognized Certified Postanesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) credentials.…
Editor's Note In a November 12 letter to Congress, the American Hospital Association (AHA) outlined its priorities for the lame-duck legislative session, focusing on measures to stabilize hospitals and health systems facing significant financial and operational pressures. If enacted, these recommendations would support the nation’s healthcare infrastructure amid rising…
During Perioperative Nurses Week this November 10-16, we encourage you to recognize the invaluable contributions of your perioperative nurses and nurse leaders. Their specialized clinical skills and knowledge protect your patients from adverse outcomes–and safeguard one of the most important revenue drivers for your health system. As you know too…
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has recognized 77 US hospitals for “exceptional surgical outcomes” in 2023 based on performance metrics tracked as part of the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). According to an October 30 ACS announcement, these hospitals were selected from among 609 eligible…
Editor's Note Music-based interventions administered preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively can significantly reduce postoperative opioid use and improve mood in patients undergoing same-day surgeries, according to research published October 15 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. The single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluated 75 patients aged 18 to 80 who received…