J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 5
• Give patients markers. Issue
every patient a single-use marking
pen once pre-op preparations have
been completed. Explain to them the
importance of site marking and
instruct them to ask their surgeons,
"Would you sign my site, please?"
when they visit before the procedure.
This not only ensures that it's always
the surgeon who does the marking, it
also involves the patient in their care
and safety.
• Sound off for time outs. In the
minutes before surgery begins, your
OR is a busy place and your surgical
team is distracted by preparations,
conversations, music or digital
devices. You'll need some help to cut
through the noise and get everyone's
attention if you want to make sure
they're all taking a pause before the
procedure. Blowing a kazoo or ringing
a hotel desk bell can do the job nicely.
Share your great idea for saving time or money at ideas@outpatientsurgery.net.