1 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8
D
o you permit
patients'
belongings
beyond the unrestrict-
ed area of the OR —
say, for example, by
placing the items in a
clear plastic bag
underneath the gurney
so they travel with
patients before, during
and after surgery?
This might not be a
good idea. "There
have been issues with
cell phones recording
conversations and
clothing with bed
bugs," says a nurse
leader.
Most facilities either
store belongings in the
recovery area or place the items in a plastic belongings bag and docu-
ment in the chart that they gave the bag to a family member for safe
keeping. Besides the risk of infection, there are safety and security
concerns to consider as well.
"We don't want to be responsible for keeping track of a patient's
wallet, purse, money or any other valuables," says a facility manager.
Where Do You Store Patients' Belongings?
• SAFE KEEPING It's best to store patient belongings in the PACU or deliver them
to a family member in the waiting area.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
