products committee, which gave her the go-ahead to seek approval
from the hospital's value-analysis committee to purchase the devices.
That decision is pending, but Ms. Fujhara is satisfied with the results
of her efforts to protect staff from harm.
Well, sort of.
Some surgeons at the hospital still don't see the value of using a smoke
evacuator, which adds $25 to the cost of a laparoscopic case, when they
perceive exposure to be less dangerous than during open procedures.
"Smoke plume is smoke plume, regardless of the amount you're
exposed to," says Ms. Fujhara. "But I'm also a realist, and consider it a
win to get surgeons to use the devices during open procedures. We'll
start there and hopefully gain momentum for more widespread use."
'It's my responsibility'
Ms. Fujhara has worked cases where smoke hung thick in the room.
Her push for smoke evacuation is personal, but it's also driven by a
larger calling. "UCLA is a no-smoking campus, yet our surgical team is
exposed to plumes that might be more hazardous than cigarette
smoke," she says. "That doesn't make sense.
"As an advanced practice nurse, I need to make sure my team works
in a healthy environment," she adds. "That's why I'm pushing for
smoke-free ORs — it's my responsibility to drive that agenda."
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