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efficiency. Along with providing clearer views in an immediate situation, when
seconds count and the airway needs to be secured as quickly as possible, the
scopes can create digital records for the airway's anatomy that can be stored
and made available for viewing before later intubations. Such records might be
invaluable as providers plan for a case, since studies suggest that patients with
difficult airways often fail to adequately inform subsequent providers.
3. Custom supply kits
Customizable anesthesia tray configurations ensure that providers have only the
supplies they need on hand, and that can add up to big savings in both time and
money. "It's tricky when you have a large group to get custom trays for everyone,"
says Michael Reines, MD, anesthesia director of the Reconstructive Surgery Center
of Newport Beach (Calif.), "but if you can get everyone to agree, it's helpful."
No one has to spend extra time gathering items, and there's no waste of
unused or unneeded items, says Dr. Reines. "When the procedure is complet-
ed, everything has been used and is then discarded appropriately."
If you can reach a consensus on the supplies that will be used, adds Mr.
Landess, vendors are often willing to provide customized trays at no extra
charge. "It's a customer perk," he says.
One vendor even offers a special tray for providers who specialize in continu-
ous nerve blocks. Customized trays lessen clutter and improve efficiency,
because now the block nurse or anesthesiologist doesn't have to manually drop
in items like liquid adhesives or extension tubing for each block, according to
Dr. Winchester.
He says small supply organization solutions like custom packs add up to min-
utes saved, by avoiding the constant scramble to find these items and keep
them adequately stocked — all while trying to avoid delaying the OR. "That's the
beauty of customization," says Dr. Winchester. "You get everything you want,
and nothing that you don't."
