10 • O
U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0
T
o keep your entire staff abreast of
the ever-changing guidelines and
directives related to COVID-19, make
sure the latest information is easily accessi-
ble to everyone. When the coronavirus start-
ed spreading quickly, and because pandem-
ic guidelines and directives were changing
so rapidly, we created a COVID-19 binder,
which staff use to quickly reference current
information. To create your own useful
resource, include guidelines from the CDC
and your state health department. Then,
separate the binder into easy-to-navigate
sections. We divided ours by
• policies and procedures,
• ADH/CDC directives and guidelines,
• staff education,
• screening tools,
• emergency preparedness and
response plan and
• emergency management risk assessment plan.
Store the binder in a central location, and email
alerts to staff when information is updated, added
or changed.
Cami Myers, RN, BSN, CCM
Arkansas Specialty Surgery Center
Little Rock, Ark.
cami.meyers@arspecialty.com
Ideas Work
That
DUTY BOUND Staff from the Arkansas Specialty Surgery Center review their pandemic response binder.
Cami
Meyers
UPDATED INFO
Create a COVID-19 Quick-reference Guide
I
f you want to reduce
foot traffic in operat-
ing rooms — traffic
that can lead to increased
surgical site infections,
distractions, airflow dis-
turbances and decreased
efficiency — slide a Do
Not Enter sign in laminat-
ed holders hung on OR
doors. Thanks to the
prominent signage, staff
will stop and ask them-
selves if their reason for
entering the room is
truly necessary, or if
what they need can wait
or be communicated to
members of the surgical
team by phone.
Barbara Wolaver,
BSN, RN, CNOR
Kaiser Permanente
Tysons
McLean, Va.
INFECTION CONTROL
Slow Your Stroll During Surgery
barbara.wolave08@gmail.com
NO ENTRY A simple sign keeps door openings to a minimum during surgery.
Barbara
Wolaver
