3 4 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7
Finally, don't let the slight cost increase of pencils with integrated smoke
evacuators deter you from investing in the devices; spending a bit more on the
well-being of your surgeons and staff is worth every penny.
4
Monitor compliance
Implementation is the hardest part of any new initiative, and it takes a
lot of rounding to make sure the changes you make stick. After your
smoke-evacuation program is up and running, drop into the OR to see if evacua-
tors are being used and ask staff to let you know if they're seeing any resistance
from surgeons. Compliance can be fleeting. Taking old pencils out of your cus-
tom packs and putting in the new smoke-evacuating devices will help, but if you
turn your back, surgeons might start to slip back into their old ways. Conduct
regular auditing to make sure that doesn't happen.
Smoke-free success
We're proud to have been one of the first 5 hospitals in the country to earn gold-
level recognition under AORN's "Go Clear" program. We achieved 90% compli-
ance for a period of 3 months — the criterion set by AORN for its highest level
of recognition.
Our success didn't come easy. It takes a lot of hard work and facility-wide
support to launch and sustain a smoke evacuation initiative. But the effort is
worth it, because your surgical team deserves to work in a safe environment.
When you eliminate smoke from your ORs, you'll breathe easier knowing your
staff is doing the same.
OSM
Mr. Belcher (jeff.belcher@uhsinc.com) is the
director of surgical services at Centennial
Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev.
