The Business of Surgery

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November 2025
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Why developing employees is a key competency for new managers

Takeaways Meeting people where they are is a basic principle of staff development. Coaching and mentoring are fundamental to employee development, but new managers should understand the difference. Resources for staff development include education, certification, clinical ladders, committee work, and professional networking. Transitioning to leadership involves many competing pressures, but…

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By: Cynthia Saver, MS, RN
May 24, 2024
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Common inspection points for surgical instrumentation

Inspecting surgical devices is a time-consuming process. However, diligently checking every instrument prior to sterilization is essential to ensuring safe, proper functioning. As the last people to see devices before they are used for patient care, sterile processing technicians must be thorough. Exterior surfaces should be inspected for flaws such…

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By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
May 24, 2024
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Supply chain stress fractures demand rock-solid continuity planning

More than 4 years after personal protective equipment production and inventories crashed amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the “new normal” in healthcare supply chains seems to be “uncertainty.” Although hospital margins are improving and patient volumes are trending upward, “stress fractures continue to remain in place,” says Michael Schiller, CMRP,…

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By: Marisa Torrieri
May 24, 2024
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Interview with US News & World Report: The journey to introduce new ambulatory surgery center ranking

Healthcare continues to evolve at a fast pace with advancements in technology and treatment, which is a big reason why finding the right medical care is a daunting task. Nowadays, patients seeking healthcare services are facing several choices, each promising the best care possible. How accurate is that promise? Determining…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
May 8, 2024
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Surface disinfection: How to play your cards right with UVC light

Approximately one in 31 hospital patients has at least one infection on any given day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In surgical settings, the risk is even higher, with up to 7% of patients developing an infection during surgery. These infections can lead to a…

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By: Tra Vu, PhD
April 19, 2024
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Unveiling ECRI’s 2024 Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns list

From integrating new technology to navigating shifts in care delivery and mitigating burnout, the most pressing challenges for healthcare organizations tend to be multifaceted problems that demand multifaceted solutions. For evidence of that, look no further than the Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns 2024 list from ECRI. For every risk…

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By: Heather David, MSN, CRNP, AGACNP-BC, CSSYB
April 19, 2024
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ASC staffing woes persist in era of increased surgical volume

Data and surveys

The past 10 years of data from the OR Manager Salary/Career Survey reflects many challenges in the healthcare environment, particularly those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. ASC leader respondents report that staffing difficulties have become particularly challenging. For example, only 15% of respondents to the 2014 survey reported increased RN…

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By: Cynthia Saver, MS, RN
April 19, 2024
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Surgical scrub evolution and the future of smart medical attire

For surgeons and other medical professionals, what to wear to work is more than just an afterthought. Over the decades, surgical scrubs have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from simple, functional garments to sophisticated attire that prioritizes both comfort and infection control. They are not merely clothing but a vital…

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By: Steven John Cumper, B.App.Sc. (Osteo), M.Ost.
March 22, 2024
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How gamification improves OR training, outcomes

Takeaways From mobile phone apps to immersive virtual reality surgery experiences, digital tools make healthcare training more interactive, more engaging, and more fun for everyone from nurses to surgeons. Modern procedures—including minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery—require 50 to 100 cases for a surgeon to reach a safe proficiency level…

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By: Brita Belli
March 22, 2024
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Decade of salary data shows mix of small gains, stagnation for OR leaders

Data and surveys

Takeaways OR leaders have experienced financial gains over the past 9 years, but not enough to keep up with inflation in recent years. Capital and operating budget responsibilities have increased over the past 6 years. Since 2015, OR leaders have consistently been most satisfied with their current job, but much…

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By: Cynthia Saver, MS, RN
March 22, 2024
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