many sponges I've used and exactly where I placed them], because
that helps to reconcile the count at the end."
Combined approach
Preventing retained objects is a safety issue, and the research is
telling us that manual counting plus technology, especially RF tech-
nology, does indeed make patients safer. So maybe the question isn't
whether you should include adjunct technology to prevent retained
objects. Maybe the question is why shouldn't you?
The need for this type of technology is likely only to increase as
more complex surgeries, particularly orthopedic procedures, are
increasingly done in an outpatient setting, says Dr. Steelman, who
adds, "Facilities can no longer rely on the count alone."
OSM
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