Anesthesia Workspace Cleanliness and Safety: Implementation of a Novel Syringe Bracket Using 3D Printing Techniques.
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ABSTRACT: Purpose:Wide variability persists in the preparation and storage of common anesthetic medications despite the recognition of anesthesia workspace standardization as a national quality improvement priority. Syringe contamination and medication swaps continue to pose significant hazards to patient safety. Methods:We assessed differences in practice related to the availability of commonly prepared anesthetic medications. Using baseline provider surveys (n?=?87) and anesthesia workspace audits (n?=?80), we designed a custom syringe organization device using 3D printing techniques to serve as a cognitive aid and organizational tool. We iteratively tested and then deployed this device in all 60 operating rooms at a single institution, and then, repeated postintervention surveys (n?=?79) and workspace audits (n?=?75) one year after introduction. Results:Implementation was associated with significant improvements in provider-reported medication availability during coverage and handoff situations (43.7% versus 76.2% reporting 95% confidence preintervention versus postintervention, p < 0.001). This was substantiated by audits of the anesthesia workspace which demonstrated reduced variability in the location (p < 0.001) and availability (p < 0.001) of key medications. Provider confidence in the cleanliness of syringes was also improved (p=0.01). A high degree of acceptance and compliance with the intervention was reported, with 80.4% of syringes observed to be stored in the device one year after implementation and approximately 95% of respondents reporting positive measures of usability and convenience. Conclusion:Use of a simple organizational device for syringes in the anesthesia workspace has numerous safety benefits. 3D printing offers improvements in adaptability and affordability compared with prior approaches.
SUBMITTER: Long DR
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6636519 | biostudies-literature | 2019
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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