canisters to a utility sink and takes away the risk of exposure to splash-
back while they pour the contents down the drain.
Ms. Robinson then purchased disposable suction and anti-fatigue
mats. The mats, which cost about $400 for a package of 10, attach to
the ports of the fluid-collection cart. The 56-by-40-inch, air-cushioned
floor coverings provide a padded place for surgeons to stand. Ms.
Robinson says they're worth the cost.
"They eliminate the need to put towels on the floor to sop up fluid
and they add to surgeon comfort," she explains.
Getting a handle on unwieldy cords is also an important compo-
nent of a safe surgical floor. Teresa Boynton, MS, OTR, CSPHP, a con-
sultant with Mobility Consulting and Presentations in Denver, Colo.,
says she's seen surgical team members suffer serious injuries from
tripping over cords, including an employee who lost the use of an
arm from a fall in an endoscopy suite. "It's critical for cords to be
bundled and positioned so they're kept safely out of high-traffic walk-
ways," says Ms. Boynton.
Wireless technology can also help with cord clutter. So can housing
surgical equipment on floor- or ceiling-mounted booms. If that's not
possible, there are a variety of bright-colored cord covers that adhere
to the floor. Additionally, clasps and positioning guards keep cords
that need to be run across floors as close together as possible.
Gloves and scrubs
Polyisoprene surgical gloves are now more form-fitting, easier to put
on whether hands are wet or dry, and available with an emollient
coating that moisturizes and soothes the skin of surgeons and surgical
team members who spend hours on end wearing the protection. Some
gloves offer a more precise anatomical fit for better movement than
traditional models, and have cuff designs that keep them from rolling
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