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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
STAFFING
edge about. I'm barely involved in the mechanics of getting a room
organized, so when I arrive, the team is often ready to go. It's a more
efficient process.
Improved communication
In larger facilities, it's unlikely the same nurses cover every case
performed by individual physicians. They likely work procedures done 3
different ways by 3 different doctors. SFAs bridge the communication gap
between surgeons and surgical teams. They're extremely familiar with
what surgeons need and how they operate, and they're in the OR before
and after each case to help expedite the set up and turnover of rooms. It's
an indirect way SFAs improve communication between surgeons and
staff. That's not necessarily what they're there to do, but it's a beneficial
byproduct.
Versatile help
I've worked with
surgeons serving as
first assistants, but
they don't make the
best helpers. They
tend to have an urge
to perform procedures
themselves or have
ideas as to how it
could be done better
and aren't as willing
or able as SFAs to
adapt to my style.
Some surgeons like
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