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appointments and follow up to get the patient back on the schedule as
soon as she's cleared.
Part of the solution
We all want the same things: patient safety, strong outcomes and high
patient satisfaction. So why is it so hard to find common ground?
Administrators and anesthesia speak different languages. Each may be
listening, but nobody is heard. Many cancellations are not "anesthesia's
fault," but rather a reaction to other factors and issues. Clear, updated
policies and guidelines support decisions to move ahead with surgery or
delay. Involve your anesthesia team in policy-making decisions. They're a
wealth of information and happy to volunteer to be part of the process.
And part of the solution.
OSM
Dr. Bear (lynettebearmba@gmail.com) is senior director of anesthesia
administration at Laser Spine Institute in Madeira Beach, Fla.
community connections with specialists near your ambulatory
surgery facility that will make your patients a priority. Assist
patients with making appointments for testing or clearance. If a
patient has to wait several weeks for an appointment, have one
of your team members call him. It shows the patient that you
care and the importance of keeping his appointment. Follow up
with the patient after testing and have anesthesia review results
before you reschedule. Communicate with the surgeon, anes-
thesia and the patient to be sure everyone is on the same page.
— Lynette Bear, DNP, CRNA, MNBA
