Exploring the Shift in Job Satisfaction in Sterile Processing

By Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST

This article originally appeared in the December 2024 issue of Healthcare Hygiene magazine.

The transformation of sterile processing is a captivating journey that mirrors broader shifts in the healthcare sector and career fulfillment. Traditional positions in sterile processing have undergone significant changes due to technological advancements, improved knowledge of microbiology, and the crucial role of infection prevention and control.

The discontent with roles in sterile processing could be attributed to various factors such as the repetitive nature of tasks, the necessity for ongoing education to adapt to evolving standards and technologies, money, the aspiration for positions that offer more involvement and recognition. The sterile processing department plays a role in ensuring patient safety with its employees often being unsung heroes within healthcare who contribute to saving lives daily by guaranteeing the safety of surgical instruments.

As this field progresses, there is an increasing focus on growth, certification and adhering to best practices to uphold quality and safety standards. This progress is steered by a comprehension of microbiology and infection control underscoring the continuous pursuit for safer medical procedures. For individuals intrigued by processing or seeking insight into why traditional roles may no longer provide as much satisfaction as before it's essential to reflect on these past and contemporary advancements. The industry is ever evolving emphasizing learning and adaptability presenting both challenges and opportunities for those engaged in it.

Exploring the Shift: Why Sterile Processing Technicians are Embracing Travel Roles
Sterile processing technicians (SPTs) are increasingly considering travel roles, driven by compelling factors. Here's a brief rundown of the advantages attracting SPTs to switch.
- Increased compensation: Traveling SPTs often enjoy pay compared to their permanent counterparts thanks to additional stipends.
- Flexible scheduling: Travel positions offer flexibility enabling SPTs to select assignments ranging from weeks to a year.
- Adventure and diversity: Travel roles allow for discovering new cities and immersing in different cultures injecting excitement into an SPTs professional journey.
- Professional development: Engaging in diverse healthcare environments exposes SPTs to varied equipment, procedures and patient demographics enriching their skills and expertise.
- Extended breaks: In between assignments SPTs can savor extended downtime for relaxation, travel adventures or personal pursuits.
- Networking prospects: Connecting with peers opens doors to lasting friendships and career growth opportunities.
In travel roles, SPTs receive round-the-clock support from the staffing agency creating a safety net for them while on the go. These perks not only enrich the professional lives of SPTs but also contribute to their personal satisfaction and work life balance. The attractive combination of wages, stipends, flexibility and the opportunity to travel while working makes transitioning to travel positions appealing for many SPTs.

What Obstacles Do SPTs Face in Travel Roles?
SPTs in travel roles encounter challenges that can affect their professional and personal lives. Here are some key challenges they may confront.
- Consistent change: SPTs need to switch between healthcare facilities leading to a lack of stability and familiarity.
- Adapting to new environments: Each assignment presents challenges and demands necessitating SPTs to be adaptable and resourceful.
- Workload variations: The demand for SPTs can fluctuate significantly with periods of intense workload or unforeseen changes due to factors, like the pandemic.
- Financial strain: While travel positions may offer higher compensation, the expenses linked with relocating and residing in new places can be substantial.
Transitioning to travel roles as an SPT can present both opportunities and challenges. Here are some key hurdles that SPTs may encounter:
- Extended work hours: SPTs may find themselves working overtime frequently, which can take a toll on their mental wellbeing.
- Feeling of isolation: Working apart from a fixed team can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation.
- Compliance with regulations: Ensuring adherence to healthcare regulations and industry standards at different facilities can pose challenges.

To tackle these obstacles effectively SPTs need to demonstrate adaptability, resilience and proactive behavior in managing their personal lives while on the go.
Here are tips for transitioning to travel roles as an SPT:
- Obtain certification: Many hospitals require certification for travel roles even if not mandated by the state.
- Enhance your resume: Showcase your experience and skills related to sterile processing in your resume. If needed, seek assistance in creating or updating your resume.
- Stay up to date with immunization records: Make sure you have all immunizations, including COVID 19 vaccinations as they are often mandatory, for onboarding processes.
-- Regular check-ups are a practice in the healthcare field to ensure health and safety compliance
-- Obtain basic life support/CPR certification; having this certification can increase your appeal to potential employers
-- Be prepared for background checks and drug tests
These are common requirements for many travel roles so readiness is key.
- Research reputable agencies; seek out travel staffing firms with expertise in sterile processing industry challenges.
- Negotiate contract terms: Understand your value and be willing to discuss contract terms and rates for an outcome.
- Foster positive relationships: Developing strong connections with agencies and clients can lead to more opportunities and referrals.
- Understand legal and financial aspects: Get familiar with the legal and financial aspects of contract work to safeguard yourself during assignments.
- Embrace the experience: Embrace the excitement and learning experiences that each new location and assignment bring.

By following these suggestions, you can smoothly transition into travel roles. Position yourself for success in the dynamic world of travel SPT jobs.

Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST, is an independent consultant and principal of Ketchum Konsulting, LLC.

 

The Relationship Between Vendors and Sterile Processing in Healthcare: Improving Patient Safety and Operational Effectiveness

By Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST

This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Healthcare Hygiene magazine.

In the healthcare sector, collaboration among industry stakeholders is not just important, it's a joint duty that guarantees patient safety and efficient service delivery. The connection between vendors and sterile processing is a crucial partnership that exemplifies this shared responsibility. This collaboration, where both sides play equally important roles, is vital for upholding top-tier patient care standards, emphasizing its immense significance.

Supplier Collaboration: A Fundamental Element of Sterile Processing
Suppliers, as components of the healthcare supply chain, are vital in safeguarding patient safety. Their responsibility starts with adhering to hospital drop-off schedules, part of policy compliance. Timely deliveries aren't about convenience; they enable sterile processing departments (SPDs) to process and sterilize instruments effectively, directly contributing to patient safety.

Ensuring Supervision and Adherence
SPDs need to oversee supplier activities to prevent the circulation of unsterilized items. To ensure tracing and responsibility, mechanisms must be established for scanning all trays and connecting them to the patient and room. Supplier trays should include weight, inventory, Instructions for Use (IFU), date surgeon information, and specific instructions. Maintaining this level of detail is crucial for SPDs to reprocess trays, especially when 48- and 72-hour lead times are needed for proper sterilization.

Responsibility Shared, Handling Trays
The removal of trays post-surgery is significant. This practice helps reduce clutter, prevent the loss of vendor instruments, organize storage areas efficiently, and facilitate the turnover of surgical instruments. It resonates with the SPD's objective of providing sterilized equipment for procedures.

Accountability When Inventory Goes Missing
Identifying the responsible party can be time-consuming when vendor inventory goes missing. Typically, vendors are accountable for their inventory until it is officially handed over to the healthcare facility. This underscores the significance of communication and meticulous record-keeping at both ends. Implementing a policy concerning lost inventory is essential. Those visiting the facility should review, acknowledge, and follow these policies. Some facilities may enforce a deadline, such as a 24-hour notice post-surgery, to report missing instruments. Operating room staff should collaborate with vendors to ensure all used instruments, whether owned or borrowed, are returned to their packaging. The healthcare facility also bears a responsibility.

Fostering a Supportive Partnership
The partnership between vendors and healthcare facilities is not just a duty, but a mutually beneficial collaboration. By working together, they can enhance patient safety and operational efficiency, leading to improved healthcare outcomes. This underscores the importance of each stakeholder's role and the significant impact they can collectively make. Vendors are encouraged to support their customers by adhering to guidelines and delivering top-notch products, while healthcare facilities should back vendor efforts by giving guidance and timely responses.

Hospital Storage Facilities Compliance for Regulatory Requirements
It is essential to ensure that vendors' storage spaces within a hospital adhere to standards to maintain the safety and effectiveness of stored sterile supplies. The regulatory guidelines for storage facilities include the following ASHRAE:
• Air circulation, with at least two outdoor air exchanges per hour and at least four air exchanges per hour.
• Temperature control: maintaining temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 26 degrees Celsius).
• Humidity levels: keeping humidity below 60 percent.
• Air pressure regulation: monitoring air pressure compared to neighboring areas to prevent external contamination.

Supervision of Vendor Storage Areas for Optimal Conditions
The SPD/operating room/engineering team oversees vendor storage spaces, ensuring that these areas uphold the required temperature and humidity levels to protect the integrity of stored instruments and implants. Often, implants are stored in unmonitored rooms, adversely affecting sterile implants kept in bins or on the floor. This oversight is crucial in preventing equipment degradation and maintaining compliance with health regulations. Establishing a policy supported by healthcare administration, surgeons, perioperative governance, and guidance counsel is vital for ensuring adherence to these standards.

Maintaining a Balance Between Personal and Professional Boundaries
Vendors need to recognize that hospital storage areas are only considered vendor spaces when they are officially designated. These spaces, funded by the healthcare system, are specifically reserved for storing and protecting supplies and equipment.

Improving Communication Between Vendors and SPDs
Enhancing communication between vendors and SPDs isn't just a tactic; it's a valuable tool for efficiency and patient safety. By setting clear expectations, maintaining regular contact, and being transparent, both vendors and SPDs can feel empowered and in control of the process, leading to more effective collaboration. Adherence to regulatory standards further instills confidence and security in the process.

Here are some key take-aways:
1. Setting expectations with vendors from the start.
2. Keeping up communication with vendors using various methods.
3. Cultivating relationships by identifying players in the supply chain and focusing on nurturing connections with vendors.
4. Practicing transparency by sharing production forecasts, potential obstacles, and operational changes.
5. Utilizing solutions that boost communication efficiency like Vendor Management Systems (VMS) or platforms.
6. Setting goals for vendor relationships that align with the company's strategy and vision.
7. Encouraging problem-solving by fostering teamwork when dealing with vendor issues.
8. Providing learning opportunities for both SPD staff and vendors.
9. Establishing feedback channels to evaluate satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.

In summary, building partnerships between vendors and SPDs is crucial for ensuring patient safety and operational efficiency in healthcare settings. Hospitals can foster an efficient relationship with their vendors by improving communication, setting clear expectations, and adhering to regulatory standards. This approach will ultimately elevate the quality of service provided and enhance care.

Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST, is an independent consultant and principal of Ketchum Konsulting, LLC.

References:
Appleby C. (Oct. 3, 2023). Maintaining the optimal temperature in hospital facilities. SensoScientific. https://www.sensoscientific.com/en-us/maintaining-the-optimal-temperature-in-hospital-facilities/
Bailey B. (June 11, 2021). Vendor relationship management in the surgery supply chain. Sullivan Healthcare Consulting. https://sullivanhealthcareconsulting.com/blog/how-to-manage-vendor-relationships-in-the-surgery-supply-chain/
Temperature and humidity requirements – Guidance for storage of sterile supplies. The Joint Commission. https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/standard-faqs/hospital-and-hospital-clinics/environment-of-care-ec/000001275/

 

Patient Safety in Healthcare is Thwarted by Numerous Challenges

By Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST

This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Healthcare Hygiene magazine.

Patient care and safety is a core business of healthcare organizations, but problems like outdated equipment, bad staffing, and misplaced resources continue to erode this fundamental organizational idea. Even though America is considered one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, it does not rank highly in healthcare achievements, with Aghighi, et al. (2023) stating that “approximately 210,000 to 400,000 deaths annually are associated with medical errors among hospital patients in the U.S.” The focus of this article is to establish what can be done to improve the quality of care and safety of patients.

The Importance of Modern, Effective Equipment in Healthcare

Patient safety and quality care are crucial elements, and this relies on the availability of optimum and efficient healthcare equipment. Old equipment or equipment that is not functioning properly not only exposes the patients to additional risks but challenges the efficiency of the healthcare delivery. According to the World Health Organization (2023), patient safety is one of the key requirements of the healthcare system. Thus, equipment maintenance and equipment upgrades should be placed high on the agenda of healthcare organizations, and hospitals must embrace protecting patient care.

Impact of Staffing on Patient Care and Safety

Staff availability is pivotal to the standard of care since the more the staff available, the more patients can be tended to. A staffing shortage causes healthcare workers to operate at optimum capacity, which makes them stressed out and tired and hence poses more dangers to the patients. The AHRQ identifies six domains of healthcare quality, of which safety is one; this entails minimizing injury to patients as a result of care meant to help them (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2022). Piling up work or putting pressure on the personnel to deliver more with the available resources is extremely harmful to the patient. Hospitals should therefore ensure that they hire and retain adequate competent healthcare personnel to attend to the many patients that may need the services of a hospital.

High Healthcare Costs and Misallocation of Resources

Holding the highest level of per-capita healthcare expenditures, the patient outcomes in the United States are often worse than the outcomes in other developed countries. So, the problem is not only how much is being spent but also the way that the money is being used. For instance, administrative bonuses siphon resources that can be helpful to patients via better equipment, staffing, and services. In fact, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2022), efficiency is one of the six domains of healthcare quality, meaning that resources should not be squandered. Therefore, ensuring that financial resources are moved away from bonuses and other unnecessary expenses in administration towards the patient is going to play a big role in patient care.

Global Competitiveness and Healthcare Quality

Unfortunately, despite being one of the richest countries in the world, the healthcare system in the United States is somewhat deficient in terms of providing high-quality treatment. Many other nations spending much less money on healthcare offer superior results for patients. Part of this difference can be blamed on the costs incurred in America, such as the poor infrastructure of the healthcare facilities in terms of equipment and human resources. Therefore, the U.S. must embrace trends from other nations where the focus is more on patient value than on revenues. One way is to set rules and values that would shift the healthcare facility culture towards a safety-focused environment. As stated by Murray, et al. (2024), patient safety and workforce safety must be core organizational priorities for any healthcare organization. This means not only wearing protective clothing and having adequate machines but also ensuring that the whole organization is safe.

Solutions for Improvement

Several solutions could be adopted to address the problems highlighted above. First, improvement and maintenance of the assets should be done to provide high-quality, safe care for the patients, as a better strategy in equipment management can dramatically reduce patient accidents. Further, staffing must be just right, beginning with the fact that healthcare organizations need to address the issue of not having enough staff to make sure that he or she is not burnt out or making errors, which will improve patients’ health (Murray, et al., 2024). Another solution involves what can be termed as financial realignment, which entails shifting of funds that were previously used in covering administration and bonuses to cater for the patients. Finally, policies require adjustment; government and healthcare institutions must set effective policies to address patients’ safety, equipment, and staff supply issues. By making these changes, the United States would be bringing their healthcare system up to par with that of the rest of the world and making the overall healthcare system of the country better for its citizens.

In conclusion, healthcare delivery involves taking care of patients and ensuring their safety; hence, it should be a major concern to any organization. Proper and modern equipment, sufficient staff, and changes in financial allocation are vital measures to deliver the best healthcare services for the patients. The U.S. healthcare system must shift from revenue generation and productivity to improved patient status if it is to compete in the international market. By deploying different policies and redistributing funds, the healthcare environment of hospitals can be made safer and more efficient for patients and employees.

Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST, is an independent consultant and principal of Ketchum Konsulting, LLC.

References:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2022). Six domains of health care quality. https://www.ahrq.gov/talkingquality/measures/six-domains.html

Aghighi N, Aryankhesal A, Raeiss, P and Najafpour Z. (2023). Recurrence of medical errors despite years of preventive measures: A grounded theory study. J Education and Health Promotion. 12(1), 329-329. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_17_23

Murray J, Sorra J, Gale B and Mossburg S. (2024). Ensuring Patient and Workforce Safety Culture in Healthcare. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/perspective/ensuring-patient-and-workforce-safety-culture-healthcare

World Health Organization. (2023, September 11). Patient Safety. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/patient-safety

 

False Eyelashes in the OR Could Contribute to SSIs

By Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST

This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Healthcare Hygiene magazine.

Healthcare practitioners who wear false eyelashes in operating rooms jeopardize their patients’ safety because the fake eyelashes are potential sources of bacterial contamination leading to surgical site infections. Many regulatory authorities and health care organizations have put measures against the usage of false eyelashes, bearing in mind infection prevention and control measures. The human resources (HR) department is responsible for implementing these policies by informing employees, explaining the measures, ensuring compliance, and punishing violators when the need arises. Healthcare facilities should keep environments as clean as possible while keeping patients’ needs in mind.

False eyelashes are likely to contribute to compromising patient safety, especially surgical site infections (SSI) when worn in the operating room (OR). The operating rooms are inherently sterile to minimize infections, which makes any object that may hold bacteria or other pathogens a potential problem. Wearing false eyelashes, whether in the form of strips or more lasting extensions of the same, poses the risk of accumulating bacteria, dust, and other pathogens that can easily be transferred to a patient’s surgical area (Robinson-Warner et al., 2024). This paper therefore explains that it is important to understand the potential risks, follow set guidelines, and enforce the correct modes of dressing through human resource policies.

It is a fact that false eyelashes are capable of accumulating dangerous microbes. Paone (2022) discusses that these ornaments may harbor bacteria, especially in the sticky tape that is used to attach them, possibly promoting bacterial growth. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are some of the common bacteria that are known to grow in such an environment, which, when exposed to patients with open wounds during operations, can lead to contamination and SSIs (Robinson-Warner et al., 2024). Several studies have established a link between false eyelashes and infection or surgical site infections, and as such, it becomes paramount for any healthcare facility to put in place serious measures to prevent any kind of infection.

While specifically false eyelashes are not prohibited by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the standards and guidelines state that the utmost care should be taken to avoid contamination and ensure optimum infection prevention measures are in place. These guidelines concern attire and personal grooming and recommend that healthcare workers should not wear items that can endanger patients’ lives during operations (Paone, 2022). Several healthcare organizations have gone so far as to develop elaborate guidelines and protocols whereby the uncontrollable use of fake eyelashes is prohibited, completely citing infection control and patient safety issues as critical reasons.

Similar to AORN, there are other regulatory agencies and healthcare institutions or facilities that have set their dress code policies for patients banning false eyelashes. For example, some dress code regulations in healthcare organizations state that nurses wearing false eyelashes should have them stripped off before they access the clinical areas since they may be a source of bacteria and may also cause infections in some patients (Paone, 2022). These policies have the objective of maintaining organizational professionalism while ensuring patient safety and controlling infections.

Hospital management, particularly through the HR department, in collaboration with infection prevention and quality, is responsible for ensuring compliance with dress code policies that cover personal grooming, such as the wearing or using of fake eyelashes. As a result, several preventive measures should be taken to maintain compliance by HR departments. First, the HR department must set strict rules on what is acceptable and what is not regarding the dress code at the workplace (Sheffield Health and Social Care, 2023). This would require relevant measures about false eyelashes, as these must be conveyed to the employees. In this case, it is the role of HR to set complete dress code policies so that the employees do not confuse themselves, thus not infringing the dress code policies.

Moreover, other areas where HR should concentrate efforts include policy formulation and development, as well as the provision of policy awareness and education. Special educational sessions where specific attention is paid to the dangers of infections and the risks of using fake eyelashes can help to maintain the safety level within the organization (Sheffield Health and Social Care, 2023). Such sessions should focus on how decisions made in the sphere of image may affect the result of the treatment, thus stressing the idea that even minor details should not be disregarded in a healthcare environment.

Furthermore, HR can enforce monitoring of compliance measures to check whether employees are sticking to the dress code policies issued to them. This may entail annual and random checks within the clinical zones to ascertain compliance irregularities (Sheffield Health and Social Care, 2023). Addressing these concerns early on can prevent the workplace from becoming a source of unfavorable conditions for patients. To improve information reception and adherence, HR should also set up feedback procedures. Subcategories facilitating employees’ feedback or questions regarding dress code policies may help encourage communication and a diverse environment. Due to this, HR must be receptive to feedback and constantly prepared to change the policies to suit the needs of the organization.

Lastly, in cases of continual violation of the laid-down policies, HR may be forced to administer corrective measures in the form of disciplinary actions against persons violating the established dress code policy. It could include things as simple as being advised to stop or even dismissal for persisting in the wrong behavior. By consistently following through with such measures, HR can remind employees of how and why strict compliance with the dress code is essential.

The presence of false eyelashes in the OR is a potential source for surgical site infections; it is thus pertinent to consider salient aspects of nursing personal appearance. Professional health regulatory bodies and organizations such as AORN recommend and support a low tolerance for infection risks, while many healthcare facilities have company policies prohibiting these eyelashes due to patient health risks. The personnel departments have a major role in implementing such policies by setting up communications, education, and reinforcement. Thus, the cleanliness of the OR is important, and the decisions made by nurses should reflect the goal of minimizing risk factors that would harm the patients.

Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST, is an independent consultant and principal of Ketchum Konsulting, LLC.

References:

Ko I, Babatope IO, et al. Assessment of the Microorganisms Isolated from Artificial Eyelash Users. J Biomed Research Environ Sciences. 4(10), 1455-1460. 2023. https://doi.org/10.37871/jbres1818

Paone J. Infection Prevention: The Latest on Surgical Attire Recommendations. Outpatient Surgery. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. Jan. 10, 2022. https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery/article/2022-January-attire-recommendations

Robinson-Warner G, Bellamy A, et al. The Perils of Continuous Wearing of False Eyelashes in Clinical Settings. Acta Scientific Dental Sciences. 17-20. 2024. https://doi.org/10.31080/asds.2024.08.1838

Sheffield Health and Social Care. (2023). Policy: HR 024: Dress Code, Uniform and Appearance. https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2023-10/Dress%20Code%20Unifrom%20and%20Appearance%20%28HR%20024%20V7%20September%202023%29%20%281%29.pdf

 

Ensuring Patient Safety in the Operating Room; A Focus for Healthcare Professionals

By Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST

This article originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of Healthcare Hygiene magazine.

In the quick-paced setting of the operating room, healthcare providers, particularly certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) must prioritize patient safety above all else. Despite the allure of entertainment options like streaming platforms and social media on cell phones and tablets, it is vital to recognize the risks associated with using them during procedures.

The Risks of Entertainment Distractions in Surgery
Engaging with movies or social media on a cell phone while in the operating room can detract from the tasks at hand. CRNAs must maintain their focus and vigilance during procedures to guarantee their patients safety and well-being. Distractions such as cellphone use can heighten the likelihood of mistakes and negative outcomes.

Distracted CRNAs: Threats to Patient Safety
The perils linked to cellphone usage in surgery are genuine and could potentially imperil patient results. CRNAs play a role in monitoring vital signs, administering anesthesia, and creating a secure surgical environment. Minor distractions, including cellphone usage, can disrupt the careful balance of care and compromise patient safety.

Medical errors are estimated to be a contributor to more than 250,000 deaths annually in the United States ranking it as the third leading cause of death. To ensure safety and provide optimal care CRNAs must remain vigilant and focused (Jaklevic, 2023).

In a case from 2011, there was a situation where a Texas anesthesiologist was accused of sending text messages and emails while keeping an eye on a patient. The patient experienced a decrease in oxygen levels. The anesthesiologist reportedly failed to detect it for nearly 20 minutes, leading to her death during surgery. The family of the woman filed a lawsuit against the anesthesiologist. The matter was resolved through settlement before reaching trial (Luthra, 2015).
Hospitals that have staff members like nurses, operating room technicians and other healthcare providers who are not fully focused on their jobs, may find themselves facing action under the concept of respondeat superior where employers are held responsible for their employees’ mistakes (Rutledge, 2024).

Almost everyone on the healthcare team is vulnerable to distractions caused by technology. Including doctors, nurses, technicians, interns and residents. Peter J. Papadakos, MD, an expert in anesthesiology, neurology and neurological surgery who serves as the director of critical care at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York is well known for his expertise, in the issue of "distracted doctoring." (Rutledge, 2024).

As Papadakos says, “You walk around the hospital, and what you see is not funny. My gut feeling is that lives are in danger. Everybody’s addicted to their gizmos.”

Emphasizing Patient Safety
Despite the temptation of watching entertainment on smartphones, it is crucial for CRNAs and all surgical staff to resist distractions during surgeries. Prioritizing patient safety over essential activities like cell phone use is paramount. More facilities should have policies and processes in place for cell phones, tablets or any electronic devices used during surgical cases or when any patient care and contact is occurring. Many facilities preach patient safety and putting patients at the forefront of healthcare; however, lack of enforcing or outlining proper place and time for electronic use is lacking.

In one facility in which I consulted staff members were prohibited from having any electronic devices outside of any department. Electronic devices were prohibited in patient-care areas unless it was vital to patient care. This was strictly enforced, and during my time there, I never saw one smart phone or tablet. Staff were more engaged and aware of their surroundings and actively communicating with each other and the visitors.

Guidelines for Responsible Cell Phone Use in the Operating Room
To uphold safety and concentration levels during procedures surgical staff should adhere to these recommendations:
• Switch off cell phones upon entering the operating room to prevent disruptions.
• Use cell phones for emergencies; reserve activities like social media or video watching for designated breaks.
• Delegate communication management to a team member, in case of calls or messages allowing you to focus on patient care.
• Be mindful and alert; keep aware of the situation and stay fully involved in the task at hand.

In summary, CRNAs and all surgical staff have a role in safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of patients during surgeries. Despite the temptation to use phones for entertainment in the operating room it is vital to prioritize patient safety above all else. By maintaining focus, avoiding distractions and being highly attentive CRNAs can deliver top notch care. Reduce the chances of medical errors.

By prioritizing safety and staying vigilant throughout procedures, CRNAs can achieve optimal outcomes for their patients while upholding professionalism and excellence in healthcare. It is imperative for healthcare professionals to remain alert and focused consistently to prevent mistakes and ensure results, for their patients. This article is not intended to punch down on CRNAs specifically; however, CRNAs are the chiefs of the operating room who oversee the patient before, during, and after the procedure, therefore they must lead by example and speak out against bad practice including monitoring techs, circulators and everyone involved in patient care in the operating room suite.

Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, BA, AA, CHL, CRCST, is an independent consultant and principal of Ketchum Konsulting, LLC.

References:

Bieber C. (2023, June 27). What is Respondeat superior? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/respondeat-superior/
Jaklevic MC. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death’ and other statistics you should question. Association of Health Care Journalists. Nov. 8, 2023. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2023/07/medical-errors-are-the-third-leading-cause-of-death-and-other-statistics-you-should-question/
Luthra S. Do cell phones belong in the operating room? PBS News. July 15, 2015. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/cell-phones-belong-operating-room
Rutledge G. Cell phones and medical malpractice. Total Health Law Blog. Feb. 6, 2024. https://www.totalhealthlaw.com/cell-phones-medical-malpractice/