Need Help from the experts!!!!

[Scarlette Sloan]

:confused: I have a scrub Tech asking if there is a standard against sterlizing case notes, in a peel pack and opening them on the field to use for the set up of a large case??? The papers would be passes off the field when the patient enters the room, so the tech will not be reading while the patient is in the room. This would be only for set-up time. I know about the ink issues and if she has an over glove that she removes when the pt. enters that would prevent the ink from going from glove to patient. What do all of you think? and if there is a standart or info I can print and give to the scrub-tech I would greatly appreciate it.:p
Scarlette Sloan

[sonny1388]

Well, from my perspective, you are looking at the same pros and cons that we deal with concerning count sheets. I wonder if it wouldn't be a better use of time and resources to offer printing out the same instructions and then blowing them up and taping them to the wall where the scrub can see it. We have several of these and they seem to work fairly well. Another tactic we use is to put these type of notes underneath our preference sheets for each doctor that tells how the mayo stand should be set up, what positioning the Dr. will use, and on some even an order as to which part of the procedure he will do first, second, etc. As for sterilizing them, I think that is unfortunately going to have to be your call as the supervisor. I can't really argue against is since we already allow count sheets, especially if it is dealt with in the manner you describe. Good luck!