When people enter the operating room, they seek healing. Their bodies suffer from a condition that requires serious attention, and these patients have put their faith in your medical facility and staff to assist in their recovery. Workplace errors here mean lasting and sometimes debilitating effects, hurting families and possibly leading the lawsuits towards doctors and the hospital.
To avoid these issues and boost your positive outcomes, consider reviewing your policies and safety measures. The following four things could prevent an error.
1. Verify Patient Condition and Procedure
Before surgery, have nurses review charts and speak with patients. The staff member should ask the patient to recount what should happen in the operating room to the best of their ability. Check this information against the paperwork determining if the appropriate procedure is scheduled.
The doctor, too, should pop in to talk with this person, verifying that everything is in order and everyone remains on the same page. Mark the incision spot while the patient is conscious to avoid entering the wrong location.
2. Ensure a Checks and Balances System
The medical field continues to evolve, and surgeons might try new methods to alleviate troubles better or speed up operations. Any new concepts or procedures should have extra eyes overseeing the process.
3. Secure and Prepare Medical Equipment
Someone should closely monitor the equipment and medicines, double-checking that everything remains clean and accessible. In addition, carts with dual wheel shock absorbing casters mitigate potential breaks or material loss while working efficiently within the busy space.
4. Establish a Fatigue Rule
Many doctors make errors when they perform surgery when tired. Be sure that the hospital mandates breaks and monitors exhaustion. Put off procedures until someone well-rested is available.
By concentrating on safety in the operating room, both the patients and the hospital could see benefits. Fewer incidents may happen, leading to a reduced number of lawsuits.…