Assistant Nurse Manager Cleveland Clinic North Ridgeville, Ohio, United States
Disclosure(s):
Jessica Tooley, RN, BSN, CNOR: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: Effective communication and procedural consistency are critical to the success of complex surgical procedures in the Cardiothoracic operating rooms. Variability in surgeon preferences can pose challenges for the nursing staff. To address this, our team implemented surgeon preference binders, a comprehensive, surgeon-specific resource designed to streamline intraoperative preparation and communication. Each binder includes a detailed list of supplies and instruments tailored to individual cardiothoracic surgeons for specific procedures, as well as a step-by-step overview of the surgical approach, including key nuances and preferences. These binders are maintained in the operating room and are accessible to all members of the perioperative team. The use of these preference binders has resulted in enhanced procedural preparedness, improved team communication, and reduced setup errors. For nursing staff, the binders provide valuable insight into each surgeon's expectations and technique, ultimately fostering confidence and teamwork. This initiative supports safer, more efficient care and aligns with ongoing efforts to standardize best practices while respecting individual surgeon styles.
