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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 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4
E
veryone has a cell phone. They keep staff and surgeons connect-
ed to the outside world, which is fine — except when their focus
should be on patient care. Here's how to ensure phones are used
properly in and around the ORs.
1. Surgeons can't ask staff to help them make or receive calls.
2. To avoid signal interference, cell phones should not be within 3
feet of surgical, anesthesia and monitoring equipment.
3. Engage only in urgent or emergent outside communication, mini-
mize personal and routine calls, and keep calls as brief as possible.
4. To minimize use of cell phones, forward incoming calls to desks
in the pre-op or PACU areas or to hardwired phones in the OR.
5. Silence ring tones and employ an inaudible signal. Enable a distinct
: 10 Tips for Cell Phone Use in the OR
PHONE ETIQUETTE
FAMILY PLAN
The OR team at
Spivey Station
Surgery Center
shows off their
properly pro-
tected phones
in disposable
single-use bags.
Vangie
Dennis,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR,
CMLSO
SURGEONS'
Lounge
THE
