say. "Consider carefully how it will be used and don't get sold on fea-
tures you won't use," says Ms. Kopp, "but be sure the system has the
ability to expand later as things change."
• Who will you call for service? If you're planning to use one com-
pany for the system and another for the equipment, make sure you
know who will provide maintenance if problems arise. Several of our
respondents think it's best to get the hardware and software from one
vendor.
• Buy the service contract. Make sure it includes updates, and fac-
tor in the total cost of the technology as you consider your budget.
• Make sure all surgeons will accept the same camera. If not, buy
a system that includes universal adapter options, says an Indiana sur-
gical services manager.
Just do it
Of the respondents who do not yet have OR integration, 1 in 3 say
they are "very" or "somewhat likely" to install a system within the
next 3 years. Most of their colleagues who already have the technolo-
gy would advise them not to wait. "Go for it," says Maria Camilon,
MSN, RN at San Diego's Shiley Eye Center. "Do it," says a
Pennsylvania surgical services director. "It is worth it."
OSM
J U N E 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 8 5
