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J U LY 2 0 1 5 | 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
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come in different sizes and have egg-crate foam interiors, which help protect sensitive
devices. Available in most sporting goods stores at an affordable price.
4. Prone position practice. When turning a patient into prone posi-
tion, a pillowcase can make the task easier. The staff member doing
the "catching" places a pillowcase on her arms and spreads them
apart. As others turn the patient, the catcher places her arms under-
neath and catches the patient as she flips onto her stomach. Gently place the patient down
while the staff member slides her arms out of the pillowcase, without the worry of shearing or
tearing skin. Others suggest using a trash bag instead of a pillowcase to save on laundering.
5. Storage solution. If your limited storage space is forcing your staff to
run in and out of the OR to fetch supplies during cases, here is an easy
option. Instead of staff lugging 3,000 cc bags to the OR, consider using
an Igloo cooler on wheels. You can fill the cooler with the heavy bags
before the day's cases and tuck it out of the way in the OR. Then, when
another bag is needed mid-procedure, the circulator can reach down and grab it. It increases effi-
ciency and cuts down on the infection risks associated with opening and closing the OR door.
6. The cure for fallen mop handles. If you use microfiber mops
with removable pads to turn over rooms between cases, you know
that the mop handles won't stand upright in their buckets on their
own. Fallen mop handles present a potential tripping hazard for
staff. The simple solution: Buy vinyl-coated hooks at a home improvement superstore and fas-
ten them sideways to the wall in the corridor outside your ORs. The sideways hooks will catch
the mop handles and prevent them from falling to the floor.