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ties of more complex units. Several newer compact machines were designed
with space-conscious surgery centers and smaller hospitals in mind. They take
up less floor space in the OR, but still include the features your providers need
to deliver advanced anesthesia care.
Ask the experts
With all the accessories available on today's anesthesia machines, many of
which add little or no value to patient care in the outpatient environment, you
can overspend by tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars if you're not
thorough and diligent in researching and understanding your options. There's a
huge difference in price between top-of-the-line monitor and ventilator
machines and alternative stripped-down versions.
If you're considering spending a significant chunk of money on new machines,
be sure to get input from the providers who are going to be using the equipment
on a daily basis. Ask for feedback from members of your anesthesia team who
have as much business sense as clinical expertise to ensure you're investing in
cost-effective machines that meet your facility's needs.
OSM
Dr. Patane (pspmd@aol.com) is the director of
perioperative outpatient anesthesia services at
Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis.
