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A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
I D E A S T H A T W O R K
I
n our busy 4-OR center, we assign each surgeon a numbered
cubicle in pre-op so she always knows where her next patient is.
We try to match the pre-op bay number to each OR — so doc-
tors' assignments stay the same — which limits confusion among
surgeons and anesthesiologists. To make patient flow even easier,
we set up the pre-op bed table ahead of time with an IV start kit, a
name card with the surgeon's name and a laminated pre-op safe sur-
gery checklist. And as you can see in the photo on the right, our pre-
op RNs are also tasked each afternoon with setting up stretchers
with a gown, booties, head cover and belonging bag for the next
day's first patients. It's a simple step, but it makes a big difference in
our efficiency.
Vicki V. Schultz, RN, CASC
Texas Health Women's Specialty Surgery Center
z SAVE TIME Assigning surgeons' pre-op bays
and getting cases ready the day before increases
efficiency.
S I M P L E S E T - U P
Assign Each Doc a Numbered Cubicle
Vicki
V.
Schultz,
RN,
CASC
Dallas, Texas
vschultz@thwssc.com