Same-Day Surgery – June 1, 2019
June 1, 2019
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Surgeons and Investigators Find Ways to Spare Opioids
Surgeons nationwide are developing opioid-sparing methods to help surgical patients avoid narcotic misuse and abuse. Several research presentations made during the recent American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons that could create paths for the future.
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Help Patients Set Reasonable Expectations Regarding Pain
Surgeons might refer patients to pain management professionals and psychologists to help them cope with their anxiety and concern about pain. Discussions should center on the unpleasant side effects related to opioid use.
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Total Joint Arthroplasty Study Spares Opioids Successfully
Opioid use declined by 75% with a standardized opioid-sparing protocol employed in total joint arthroplasty patients, according to the authors of a new study.
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International Consensus Reached on Opioid Use for Surgical Patients
There are three parts to the consensus on opioids and surgery, including one on perioperative management, a second on operative management of patients who have been taking opioids, and a third on management of opioids for patients who are opioid-naïve.
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Comparing IV vs. Oral Acetaminophen in Total Hip Surgery
The authors of a study examining a comprehensive opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia approach found that patients in both IV and oral acetaminophen groups scored low on pain scales, limited opioid usage, and reported minimal opioid side effects.
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Successful ASCs Track Key Performance Indicators
Key performance indicators make it clear what expectations are. Tracking this information keeps surgery center staff accountable and motivated.
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Research Suggests Physicians Should Screen for Osteoporosis Before Surgery
Using criteria from the American College of Radiology, investigators found that 43.6% of spine fusion patients were diagnosed with osteopenia and 14.9% had osteoporosis. This suggests that the osteoporosis incidence is higher than previously known.
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The Annual Questions and Answers Column
Learn about top procedures to perform in an ASC, how to make more profit, and much more.
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OSHA/HIPAA Compliance Best Practices
Under federal rules, the cost of making a mistake that imperils employees’ safety has increased. Starting in January, healthcare organizations and other employers now pay more in fines when investigators find they are not protecting their employees’ safety.
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The Joint Commission’s Pain Assessment Standards Explained
The Joint Commission’s new and revised pain assessment and management standards went into effect in 2019, covering all Joint Commission-accredited ambulatory care, including surgery centers and office-based surgery organizations. An agency representative provides more details.
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Surgery Center Wins AAAHC Award for Pain Management Quality Improvement Project
An ASC’s laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients were prone to pain and nausea after surgery. There had to be a solution that would achieve both effective pain management and less nausea. A quality improvement team gathered to find that solution.