• Do you have confidence in your team?
• Do you understand the concept of what you are doing?
• Do you have the equipment to do what you are planning?
• Do you have the equipment to do what you are planning?
• Do you have the mechanism in place to handle worst case scenarios?
A major challenge in taking on higher acuity cases is getting past fear. In order to overcome this, Ms. Dolsen said ASCs must maintain a “safety first” focus, maintain confidence in surgeons’ skills no matter the setting and adopt effective training and learning styles. To move past the fear and embark on the total journey to success, Ms. Dolsen outlined nine steps:
1. Set clear expectations
2. Provide context
3. Seek commitment
4. Communicate and promote the team mission
5. Choose the right skill sets
6. Find engaged learners
7. Instill excitement and engagement
8. Encourage free thinking
9. Plan for growth
In addition to these steps, surgery centers must properly train teams for high performance in high acuity cases, including pre-operative staff and post-operative staff. Surgery centers must also set clear criteria to ensure safe discharge of high-acuity patients, including level of patient consciousness, vital signs, pain, understanding of discharge information and physical activity.
More Articles on Patient Safety:
AAAASF Names Dr. Geoffrey Keyes Board President
Capital City Surgery Center Achieves Three-Year AAAHC Accreditation
oint Commission Offers Free Course on Rapid Influenza Testing
