expansive ORs with virtually all brand-new plat-
forms. They invested in two new C-arms, anesthe-
sia machines, ultrasound units and three new OR
tables, including a Hana table. The most impres-
sive upgrades in the OR, however, weren't obvious
or flashy. For instance, HEPA filters were placed
at the point of air entry in the OR, as opposed to
on the roof. "The filters are located where the air
gets distributed over the patient, so the air enter-
ing the surgical field is as clean as it can possibly
be," says Mr. Paris.
Another big decision the leadership team made
in designing its ORs centered on the overhead
lighting. "We specifically opted for a system that's
integrated into air diffusers," says Mr. Paris. "The
light in the diffusers provides a true laminar flow
over the patient."
These features are helpful from an infection con-
trol standpoint because orthopedic surgeries, espe-
cially total joints, have higher infection rates than
other procedures.
• Patient- and staff-focused features. Outside
of the OR, a lot of thought went into the lighting
installed throughout the facility. The end goal was
lighting that projected a welcoming feel for
patients, like they were entering a warm, comfort-
ing space as opposed to a cold, clinical environ-
ment. Fully programmable LED light fixtures are
found throughout the entire facility and are con-
trolled with the building's automated system, says
Mr. Paris. Energy-saving motion sensors automati-
cally turn lights on when staff walk into rooms and
shut them off when spaces remain empty for a
period of time. Lighting can also be adjusted by
staff in clinical spaces. "The majority of our light-
ing, especially in patient care areas, can be
dimmed to provide that warm, comforting feel
we're going for," says Mr. Paris.
Warm lighting is one of several patient-centered
design features that aim to make individuals feel as
Partnership
Outpatient Total Joint Team Training
The Outpatient Total Joint (OTJ) Team Training program will provide a
comprehensive and immersive curriculum on building a consistent and
repeatable outpatient surgery experience for total joint patients.
◊
Trademark of Smith+Nephew
Push what's possible.
Positive Connections
The OTJ Team Training will feature:
Peer-to-peer training for surgeons,
anesthesiologistsand other facility staff
Training to optimize patient selection,
communication and data collection
Utilization of emerging technology and
patient algorithms to increase throughput
and maximize OR efficiency
Learn more at
http://think-positive-connections.com/
or to register for OTJ Team Training visit:
https://orthomeetings.com/outpatient-
joint-experience-team-training/
Tools to capture PROMs data
Training on pain management
protocols, patient flow, clinical
efficiencies and post-acute care
