Getting a head start
Cases should be primed for speed
long before patients arrive,
according to Andrew C. Shatz,
MD, SightTrust's owner and sur-
geon. "Begin prepping the
process during initial surgical
evaluations, which can take place
days or weeks before scheduled
procedures," he says. "We often
spend an hour or more with
patients during their evaluations,
discussing what the procedure
will entail and what they should
expect to happen." During the
evaluations, make sure surgical
consents, pre-op paperwork and
out-of-pocket payment are com-
pleted and collected.
When scheduling procedures,
set arrival times at 30- to 40-
minute intervals, suggests
Victoria Wiltshire, MBA, RN,
SightTrust's vice president and
chief operating officer.
Additionally, review the medical
histories of patients and slot
those who will require medical
clearances before surgery toward
the start of the schedule to avoid
issues that could cause delays
and logjams later in the day, sug-
gests Ms. Wiltshire.
Flagging patients who might
present challenging cases, such
as those with dense cataracts or
poor dilation, lets you allot addi-
tional time for these procedures
on the schedule. You should also
note whether patients will require
additional medications, such as
epinephrine or Shugarcaine to
maintain mydriasis, and make
sure the OR staff has these agents
premixed and ready to go.
Also highlight patients who
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N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 2 1
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Improved cataract site marking
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Application and removal
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temporary skin indicia
PART ONE Performing laser-assisted capsulotomy in a separate procedure room can cut down on valuable minutes spent
in the OR.
