Wellness/Mental Health
Spatial computing trial shows promise for enhancing OR efficiency, reducing strain on surgeons
Editor's Note Spatial computing technology could enhance surgical precision and ergonomics, according to a September 16 announcement published in EurekAlert! The report covers how surgeons at UC San Diego Health are pioneering the use of Apple Vision Pro in the OR to evaluate its potential for displaying medical imaging, vital…
Vice presidential debate highlights healthcare, abortion policy differences
Editor's Note The October 1 vice presidential debate showcased sharp divisions between the candidates on healthcare policy, focusing primarily on the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reproductive rights. A summary published October 2 in Stat details how Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) proposed changes that could allow insurers…
Study: No link between early parathyroidectomy, reduced depression risk in primary hyperparathyroidism patients
Editor's Note Research suggests parathyroidectomy may not provide a mental health benefit for PHPT patients, particularly in the context of preventing new depression. Published September 4 in JAMA Surgery, the study examined 40,231 adults with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), revealing that early parathyroidectomy does not reduce the risk of developing new…
Traveler tightrope: OR leaders balance best practices, reduction strategies
Takeaways Providers are generally seeking to reduce use of travelers through strategies such as float pools, training programs, and cultural reforms. However, travelers remain useful as a bridge to permanent staff and for difficult-to-fill positions. Best practices for selection, onboarding, team integration, and performance evaluation are essential for maximizing return…
Study: Therapy dogs reduce healthcare worker burnout
Editor's Note Simple, non-judgmental interactions with therapy dogs could offer a valuable tool in combatting the widespread burnout seen across the healthcare industry. That’s according to a September 16 EurekAlert! news release detailing a study highlighting the emotional support benefits of therapy dogs for not only patients, but also the healthcare…
Localized nurse shortages to persist amid nationwide surplus, analysis predicts
Editor's Note A new report by Mercer projects a national surplus of 30,000 nurses by 2028, but significant shortages will remain in some states and rural areas where healthcare access is already limited, according to a September 15 report in MedCity News. For example, New York is projected to face…
Study: Preoperative depression boosts risk of postoperative delirium
Editor's Note Patients with depressive symptoms are nearly twice as likely to experience delirium after major surgery, according to a meta-analysis published September 4 in the journal Anaesthesia. The evaluation of the link between preoperative depression and postoperative delirium included data from 42 studies involving more than 4.6 million patients.…
Anesthesia workforce challenges taking center stage
Every year, OR Manager shines a light on staffing issues via the Salary/Career Survey. In this issue, two articles take a careful look at the career and profile of the perioperative leader in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Next month, two more articles will do the same with salary trends…
Survey: Staffing woes ease slightly, but challenges remain
Takeaways • Surgical volume continues to increase for most organizations. • Staffing remains a challenge, although some parameters, such as recruiting and turnover, have improved slightly. • Filling an open RN position takes an average of 77 days, and filling a surgical technologist position takes an average of 120 days.…
Staffing solutions depend on collaborative, innovative culture
There is no shortage of advice, opinions, and proposed solutions when it comes to staff shortages, but the issue continues to plague healthcare systems nonetheless. For a couple of years now, speakers at the OR Business Management Conference and OR Manager Conference have been asking attendees, “Who still struggles to…
Free Daily News
- Study: Implicit bias linked to low-value vascular procedures, worse outcomes for Black patients
- The Joint Commission, National Quality Forum accept patient safety, equity award applications
- Medical gaslighting tops ECRI’s 2025 patient safety threat list
- Study: Predictive model improves nosocomial infection risk assessment after colon cancer surgery
- New colonoscopy guidelines increase bowel prep quality expectations
- Healthcare employment up in February
- New legal standard redefines medical negligence
- Study: Machine learning improves OR efficiency, but challenges remain
- Study: Weekend effect raises risk of surgical patient mortality, complications
- 4-day workweek boosts job satisfaction, work-life balance for nurse leaders