Surgical services departments must focus on patient safety while improving operational efficiency when cleaning operating rooms, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.
Operating rooms often feel pressure for quick turnover times. Steps in preparing an OR include removing the case cart, bagging trash and linen, cleaning and setting up anesthesia equipment, cleaning and disinfecting high-touch objects, mopping the floor and making the bed
As part of a larger Lean program, Crestwood Medical Center, Huntsville, Ala., was interested in optimizing between-case cleaning and room turnover.
Crestwood found a few key areas for improvement, including:
• Cleaning consistency
• Equipment location
• Cleanliness recognition
• Disinfectant contact time and equipment damage
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