Evolving care
Safety-focused products are important assets, but so is constantly
talking about ways to effectively implement the technologies. "Having
the right processes in place and ensuring every member of your team
is properly trained to adhere to safety-related protocols is crucial,"
says Tony Willbur, RN, ADN, director of nursing at Wauwatosa (Wis.)
Surgery Center.
"We have daily safety huddles to discuss patient safety issues," adds
Ms. Kirkland. "It allows for the staff to talk about the situation, and is
a learning opportunity for everyone."
Dr. Morel, the battle-tested anesthesia provider from Tennessee,
remembers having to rotate a single EKG monitor through his for-
mer hospital's three ORs. Times have certainly changed. He recently
learned how to place ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, even though
he claims to "throw in" interscalene blocks before his younger col-
leagues can ready the ultrasound probe. He readily admits, however,
that ultrasound helps him place safer, more effective blocks, proving
ol' dawgs are up to learning new tricks.
There's a lesson to be learned in his willingness to evolve in the
twilight of his career. Look at newer options in safety products not
as nice-to-have add-ons, but as important tools that help your team
provide the quality of care your patients deserve.
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