AORN journal
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Review
An integrative review of factors related to patient satisfaction with general anesthesia care.
Surgery is typically performed using one or more types of anesthesia. An important patient outcome related to the anesthetic, and a measure of quality from the patient's perspective, is patient satisfaction with anesthesia care. Currently, no psychometrically validated instruments that measure patient satisfaction with general anesthesia care are available in the United States. ⋯ We found the most frequently mentioned modifiable factors related to patient satisfaction were information provided and pain or discomfort. The only nonmodifiable factor with sufficient evidence to include in future studies on instrument development is the patient's age. This review provides information that can help in the design and implementation of quality improvement initiatives and in the development of an instrument to measure patient satisfaction with general anesthesia care.
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation request from West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, to evaluate noise exposures from surgical instruments in the OR. Four surgical technologists, four RNs, and one surgeon wore noise dosimeters to measure full-shift personal noise exposures during two days while they performed typical daily activities. ⋯ Preventive maintenance of powered surgical instruments can reduce noise exposures, and noise output should be considered when selecting replacement instruments. Keeping music at a low level and using hearing protection are other interventions to consider to improve noise levels in an OR.
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Allergies to certain foods such as soybeans and eggs contraindicate the use of propofol, a short-acting hypnotic medication used by many anesthesia care providers. Understanding the safe use and handling of propofol and communicating known patient allergies to all surgical team members is crucial to providing safe perioperative care. The perioperative nurse's preoperative assessment supports and improves the plan of care for the patient by identifying the patient's risk factors. Obtaining a correct and precise history of allergies, not only to medication but to food, and concise hand-off reporting are essential for patient safety.