Good Communication in the Operating Room Prevents Patient Complications
In a recent study by psychologists and surgeons concerning elective, open abdominal surgeries conducted in 167 patients, communication by the surgical team that was relevant to the procedure was linked with a reduced risk of the development of surgical site infections (SSIs), whereas irrelevant communication during the closing phase of the procedure was linked with an increased risk of SSIs.
"Communicating about the procedure allows all members of the surgical team to be 'on the same page,' thus facilitating team coordination. Case-irrelevant communication is more likely during a routine phase of a surgery, for example wound closure," says psychologist Dr. Franziska Tschan, lead author of the British Journal of Surgery article.
"Case-irrelevant communication is important for a good team climate, but too much of it can be a distractor," adds senior surgeon Dr. Guido Beldi. "The team has to find a balance."
Source: Wiley
How Cleaning Medical Equipment Directly Affects Patient Safety and Equipment Longevity
September 16th 2024Hospital-associated infections affect over 1 million US patients annually. Proper medical equipment cleaning and sterilization significantly reduce infection risks, improving patient outcomes and safety.
Addressing Sterile Processing Instrument Errors With Advanced Technology and Data Insights
September 3rd 2024Surgical instrument errors, often linked to visualization failures during sterile processing, pose significant risks to patient safety and OR efficiency. Advanced technologies, including AI, are essential for reducing these errors and improving overall outcomes in sterile processing departments.
Back to the Future—Focus on Oral Care for Preventing Pneumonia
Published: August 6th 2024 | Updated: August 6th 2024Pneumonia, a leading cause of death from health care-acquired infections, can be prevented through oral care, especially in nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) cases.
