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the trade-in of our previous OR video system and the dust-collecting items. We
used the trade-ins as part of our price negotiations on the new equipment and
capitalized on the opportunity to clean house.
The installation was relatively painless. As part of the negotiating process, we
told the vendor we wanted a seamless transition. And that's exactly what hap-
pened. They came in over a weekend and set up everything, so, by Monday
morning, every OR was equipped with the same 4K video system — 4 hardwired
and 3 on mobile carts.
My advice, based on what we learned: Look for ways to save money through-
out the entire negotiation process. It never hurts to ask for more from a vendor.
The worst thing they can say is no.
Up and running
Our GYN surgeons would have never entertained doing laparoscopically assist-
ed vaginal hysterectomy in our center with the old video equipment, due to vari-
ances in picture quality, but they saw an opportunity when they witnessed the
kind of definition that was available through 4K. We're now the only surgery
center in Pennsylvania doing the procedures. We've done 8 cases since adding
the service line in August 2015, and we will likely maintain that volume due to
the strict criteria for patient selection associated with the procedure.
Although we don't measure concrete benchmarks to determine the system's
impact, we have experienced some key benefits since adding 4K imaging. Some of
our physicians say the system lets them complete procedures more quickly and
safely, because the high level of definition lets them see every anatomical detail.
Perhaps the biggest show of support for the new technology occurred when a few
of our GYN and general surgeons joked, "If we have to go back to the old equip-
ment, I'll just retire."
OSM
Ms. Alexander (susan.alexander@readinghealth.org)
is the director of nursing at Reading Hospital
SurgiCenter at Spring Ridge in Wyomissing, Pa.