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rthroscopies aren't lengthy or complex, but if your facili-
ty regularly hosts a full slate of them, staying on sched-
ule is best for the bottom line. You've probably already
cross-trained to make sure you always have skilled staff
on hand, standardized your procedure packs for econo-
my and convenience, and grouped all your left-side and right-side
cases to avoid redundant repositioning. Here's what else some high-
volume centers have done to take arthroscopy efficiency to the next
level.
Tower technology
Your purchasing decision for video imaging technology often comes
down to physician preference. There may be multiple advantages in
getting as many specialties as possible on board with the choice.
"If you can, equip your OR with a universal video tower system, not
1 ortho tower and 1 general tower," says Hugh Cornelson, RN, a circu-
lating nurse at Gainesville (Ga.) Surgery Center. This option will let
your staff train on and become adept at a single system, he says. "The
more simple it is for them to set up, the better for everybody." There
are also budgetary benefits to be gained from consolidating into multi-
purpose technology.
If you're upgrading your equipment, keep media in mind, too. "Older
towers have printers, but newer ones record photos to CDs or thumb
drives, or can wirelessly send them," says Mike Pankey, RN, MBA,
administrator of the ASC of Spartanburg (S.C.), which will shave time
from the process. Make sure you enlist your IT experts to keep net-
worked images secure.
"The first step toward arthroscopy efficiency is having a good staff
that knows the equipment in the room," says Chuck Strasser, RN,
executive director of Allied Physicians Surgery Center in South Bend,
S U R G I C A L E F F I C I E N C Y
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