First Case Podcast

What does the future of surgery look like? How can technology help improve efficiency, productivity, and patient outcomes? We're going to look into the future today as we speak with Anthony Fernando, CEO of Asensus Surgical. Tune in as we discuss digital surgery and the benefits augmented intelligence and machine learning offer to both clinicians and patients. Learn about performance guided surger...

Coaching isn't something reserved for sports teams or fitness enthusiasts. Healthcare professionals frequently take advantage of coaching as well. Phyllis Quinlan, PhD, RN, Executive Coach for AORN, works with AORN members to provide coaching services covering a variety of topics. On today's episode we cover current trends in coaching needs, advice for new peri-op staff, advice for experienced sta...

We can't perform an operation or an invasive procedure if we don't have sterile instruments. It almost goes without saying, but sterility is fundamental to what we do in the operating room. Confirming that our instruments and trays are sterile is of paramount importance every time we set up for a case. Helping us discuss this important issue today is Hank Balch, Founder and President of Beyond Cle...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR. In it she discusses the vital role that SPD plays within the perioperative space, and emphasizes their value to the team. "We can't operate in a dirty room or with broken equipment. We can't operate if we don't have staff to run the room or anesthesia available to sedate the patient. And w...

Surgery can be a scary experience for anyone, especially children. Being in an unknown environment with so many strange faces mixed with the fear of needles, pain, or separation from parents can significantly increase a child's anxiety, all before they even enter the operating room. Induction of anesthesia only increases that anxiety when we hold a child down, and force them to breathe anesthesia...

When it comes to adding space, a hospital has two options: move to a new building and renovate, which can completely disrupt staff operation, or use the current space and invest in a more space-efficient storage system. On this First Case Vendor Spotlight we talk with Ian Loper from DSI about an integrated, high-density storage system that can meet all the safe and efficient sterile storage and tr...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by, Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN where he discusses the questions we need to ask ourselves when determining the amount of time that should be allocated for processing instruments. "Having a realistic unit of service for the SPD area will ensure that the resources that are necessary to support the efficient turnaround of surgic...

How does architecture influence plastic surgery? For pediatric plastic surgeon Dr. Sheryl Lewin, MD, her art and architecture background has influenced her ability to innovate and design the ear-making process for patients with microtia and atresia. Join us today as we discuss her unique work, learn about the special 3-D process she uses for creating implants, and hear how she's changing the lives...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by, Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN where he discusses three factors that must be considered when determining how many anesthesia technicians are needed for a department. " By considering the needs of the many different patients that will be in your department each day, and by following recommended staffing guidelines, you're set...

Between Season 4 and 5, we're going to be throwing back to some of our exciting episodes of Season 1! What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)? What value can they add to surgical services? On today's episode of First Case, we explore everything that a CNS does in the OR with Brenda G. Larkin, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, CNS-CP, CSSM, CNOR. We'll learn more about this advanced nursing practice degree, what...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, RN, BSN, CNOR co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of The Circulating Life where she outlines the keys to changing the culture within the OR: " Bad behavior in the OR isn't going to change overnight. We need zero-tolerance policies that are enforced, regardless of who the aggressor is. We need c...

How many times has it been said, "New grads need to work in Med-Surg prior to working in the OR."? While most nursing schools focus on Med-Surg during clinicals, there are many students who really feel called to the operating room. Sending them to Med-Surge first for "experience" doesn't give them specific OR experience, and delays their entry into the OR. Tune in as we discuss this issue today wi...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of Alpha Consulting Group, Inc. where he talks about best practices for case carts by looking at who, how, and when a case cart should be picked for a case. He'll also discuss common errors, and explain how these errors negatively affect the departme...

Every day, we push, pull, lift, and strain to position our patients for their procedures. We routinely tuck arms with draw sheets to allow practitioners closer access to the surgical field, but the products and the methods we use to pad and protect our patients don't always provide the protection we would like them to. On this exciting Vendor Spotlight, we speak with David Gomez, CRNA and CEO, CTO...

Tape, gel rolls, foam, and a whole lot of pushing and pulling usually go into positioning our patients for surgery. Silk tape is our best friend! But, are we positioning patients the safest way for their procedure, and do our current positioning practices help prevent injury? On today's episode of First Case, we're going to explore the world of patient positioning with David Gomez, CRNA and CEO, C...

We've all had rough days in the operating room. Days where it seems nothing is going right, everyone's angry, and there's not enough staff to cover every shift. But it isn't always that way. In this article written by First Case co-host, Melanie Perry, tune in to the ways we can use the good experiences to help balance out the bad ones. Knowing that we're making a difference in the lives of each a...

How often do you hear about productivity in your department? How is that productivity determined? Or maybe, you're just wondering, "What IS productivity?" If it seems confusing or mysterious, you're not alone! We're going to break it all down for you today as we interview our very own First Case co-host, Paul Wafer. With 40+ years of experience, Paul has a unique understanding of productivity and...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by, Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of Alpha Consulting Group, Inc. where he talks about common leadership errors he has seen over decades of perioperative consulting: " I am still learning new things, and I carry the lessons I have learned throughout my career with me.  Circumstances...

How do supplies get to your OR? Who makes sure that the products you need end up on the shelf? The Materials Management department is a crucial part of every facility, and they play a vital role in ensuring that we have all of the supplies that we need. In today's interview with Garry Skinner, president of GSC Consulting, Inc., we discuss best practices for communicating supply changes, the import...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, RN, BSN, CNOR co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of The Circulating Life where she outlines the keys to nailing your next pre-op interview: " Conducting a fantastic pre-op interview will come naturally with practice and repetition. By breaking it down into 12 different elements, you can develo...

Are your preference cards accurate? Can you depend on them if you're working with an unfamiliar surgeon? We're going to tackle the pref card issue on today's episode of First Case! Joining us is Dan Pfister, President and Consultant at United Pathways, Inc. Tune in as he offers his insight into the benefits of a team approach to pref card management, and find out which department has a vested inte...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, RN, BSN, CNOR co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of The Circulating Life where she reminds frontline healthcare workers of the critical importance of self-care: " In a year that's been so demanding, and brought so many challenges, we have to take the time to refill our own tanks. We can't just...

How often do we hear complaints about instruments that aren't working properly? When instruments are broken, we tag them for repair, but what happens to them after that? Instrument repair specialist Angelia Limberios, CST, CRCST, joins us on this episode of First Case to talk about that process. As an experienced surgical tech, Angelia brings a unique understanding of the OR into her role as an in...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, RN, BSN, CNOR co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of The Circulating Life where she provides encouragement for surviving the crazy days of OR orientation: "I know it's overwhelming and there's so much to take in. But don't give up. It can take over a year before you truly feel comfortable in th...

Surgical Technologists, or scrub techs, are an important part of the surgical team. Their education and training provide them with the skills necessary to safely provide care for the surgical patient and to assist surgeons during procedures. On this week's episode of First Case, we speak with  Megan   Mullinax , CST about her experiences working in the operating room. We'll learn about the evoluti...