|
George S. Edwards, Jr., MD, Raleigh , NC
All surgeons realize the advantages of efficiency in the O.R. From the time the procedure is first scheduled in the office until the patient returns for follow-up, there are numerous pitfalls which can delay, cancel or otherwise sabotage a well-intended surgery. With a modicum of compulsiveness and persuasion the following measures were implemented resulting in significantly increased O.R. efficiency and decreased confusion, anger, and delay.
1. Numbers were assigned to all surgical procedure "preference" cards. These numbers are communicated to the O.R. when posting a procedure to assure pulling correct cards and instruments.
2. Marker board in O.R. for circulating nurse to write the patient's name and procedure(s) to add another measure of safety and avoiding incorrect, wrong site, and incomplete procedures.
3. Hand (specialty) cart containing special sutures, needles, pins, buttons, dressings, splints, orders, prescriptions, goggles, loupes, radio and CDs, etc.
4. Beeper (a la busy restaurants) for families in the waiting room.
|
