Outpatient Surgery Magazine

Manager's Guide to Staff & Patient Safety - October 2015

Outpatient Surgery Magazine, providing current information on Surgical Services, Surgical Facility Administration, Outpatient Surgery News and Trends, OR Excellence and more.

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4 6 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 3. Low-voltage polymer blankets These "electric blankets" are effective as a primary patient warming method. However, there are some potential issues staff should be aware of while using these newer technologies. Specifically, staff must be cautious when positioning towel clips around the patient, since these clips can perforate the blanket and cause it to malfunction. As with any electrical component you're adding to the OR, have your bioengineering department or consultant periodically check the blankets to ensure they're in proper working condition and aren't at risk for electrical hazards. Also be sure to read the manufacturers' instructions for use before using the blankets. One risk that's often overlooked is mismanage- ment of the blanket's cords. Make sure all cords are sealed so that they can't come in contact with any fluids in the OR that could shock patients or staffers. Also keep the cords organized and away from high-traffic areas to limit risks of trips and falls. Rather than rely on cabinet air temperature, we meticulously ƋåŸƋƋĘåāƚĜÚŸĜĹŸĜÚåƋŅåĹŸƚųå accurate warming. From worry-free operation for caregivers to ultimate comfort üŅųޱƋĜåĹƋŸØĜƋűŸƵʱƋűŸĜĹŸĜÚå that counts. Do you trust your āƚĜÚ temperatures? We do. ŅĹĀÚåĹƋϱųå from Enthermics. www.enthermics.com | 1-800-862-9276 An ISO 13485:2003 certified company Download the Patient Warming Toolkit at osmag.net/qPU2Ky for useful tips to improve patient warming practices, including an edu- cational program about the evidence supporting the different methods and why patient warming is essential. How to Warm Patients Effectively

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