matter. There are cleaning solutions out there with a 10-minute con-
tact time and a 10-minute drying time, and then there are those with a
5-minute contact time and a 1-minute dry time. It's up to you what
product you choose, but the surface disinfectant you use can cut 5 or
more minutes off your turnover times.
8. Use turnover kits. OR turnover kits contain all the supplies you
need to clean the room together in one place, eliminating the need to
leave the room to gather any supplies, including microfiber mops and
cloths, table sheets, lift sheets, armboard covers, head positioner
cover, trash and laundry bags, and kick bucket liners.
9. Manage the back table. It's a good idea to regularly review
pack contents and physician preference cards to eliminate seldom or
never-used items and to, in turn, streamline setup and teardown
times. Another tactic is to standardize instrument sets and limit doc-
tor-specific trays as much as possible. At the same time, you can
review instrument trays' contents and attempt to eliminate seldom or
never-used items. In addition, whenever possible, leave instruments
in their trays to avoid wasting time setting them out individually.
In sync
The OR is a complex environment where good outcomes depend on
the successfully coordinated efforts of a team of individuals — espe-
cially when it comes to room turnovers. Hopefully these 9 action steps
will streamline setup and teardown, thereby shaving seconds and min-
utes off your turnover times.
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 • 6 3
Ms. Wasserman (margaret.wasserman@advocatehealth.com) is senior ana-
lyst for peer review at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Ill.
