shift, put together a list of supplies that need to be replaced or that
will need to be replaced soon (I used to write this list on a paper
towel in the OR). Then, when you have 2 minutes, the list is right
there at your fingertips and all you have to do is restock the area.
Enter one patient's case history in your software system.
Believe it or not, this can be done in a short amount of time.
Granted, it may take a bit longer than 2 minutes when you start. But
the more practice you have, the more expedient the process becomes.
(Note: The case history replaces the old surgical log book.)
Just do it
Make the 2-Minute Rule a part of your hiring process. That way, staff
understands from the get-go what's expected of the OR team and
why. Remember, this is designed to spread out the workload and
ensure your facility operates at peak efficiency. If you're looking to
get buy-in among a veteran staff, the best advice I can offer is simply
to implement the 2-Minute Rule and watch what happens. If you
have a solid team culture in place, using a couple free minutes here
and there to help each other out and complete the many, many tasks
that accompany the dizzying world of outpatient surgery will come
naturally. And the results will speak for themselves. If you plan your
day with the 2-Minute Rule in mind, I guarantee it will save you lots
and lots of critical time at the end of the day.
OSM
Ms. Geier (ann.geier@sisfirst.com), a longtime member of the Outpatient
Surgery Magazine Editorial Board, is the chief nursing officer for Surgical
Information Systems in Alpharetta, Ga.
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