AORN multispecialty conference and Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association hold joint conference in Nashville

AORN Journal, Jan, 2001 by Brenda S. Gregory Dawes

Kirchner identified the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining deemed status. She reviewed multiple forms that she has developed and used to prepare for deemed status, including a survey checklist, development team members, assignments, a time line, nursing assessment forms, duty and equipment checklists, a patient satisfaction survey, and signage that can be posted. The details included in Kirchner's presentation prepare directors and managers for this heady accomplishment.

Reprocessing and reuse. In a general session on Saturday, Sept 16, Mary Lynne Weemering, RN, MSN, CNOR, addressed the audience regarding the ongoing debate and dilemma about the reuse issue occurring in perioperative services. She identified legal liability and preventive measures (eg, written protocols, validating competence, documenting quality improvement). She emphasized the need to inform patients of all risks associated with reprocessing. Weemering also discussed factors to consider when calculating the cost of reprocessing--including labor and product testing--using a detailed example of cost analysis for one item. The US Food and Drug Administration believes reprocessing has the potential to change a device's performance, safety, or intended use and will regulate third-party reprocessors and hospitals the same as original equipment manufacturers.

FUTURE MEETING

The next AORN multispecialty conference for Ambulatory, Educator/Clinical Nurse Specialist, Leadership, Perioperative Informatics, and Rural/Small Hospital Specialty Assemblies will be at the Adams Mark Hotel, Denver, Sept 13 to 15, 2001.

BRENDA S. GREGORY DAWES RN, MSN, CNOR EDITOR