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Editorial Praised
APRIL 19x7, VOL. 45. NO 4
AORN JOURNAL
or lack of usefulness, of “rituals” before labeling them one or the other based on a subjective analysis of the literature. DENNISRoss, RN, MSN, CNOR OR INSTRUCTOR CASTLETON (VT) STATECOLLEGE
Old Intervention Still Works Best I am taking this opportunity to share my recent experience with a new application of a very old nursing intervention. All of us are aware of the benefits of therapeutic touch, but this was my first experience as a recipient. The occasion was Christmas eve, and I was undergoing my fifth induction of general anesthesia. This is not painful, but there is an unpleasant-and a little frightening-sensation that within seconds you will lose control of yourself and your environment. On this occasion, the nurse grasped both of my shoulders and softly reassured me that I would be all right. Her grasp was so firm that it distracted me trom the frightening feelings. Instead, 1 found myself concentrating on her voice and touch. The impression was strong enough that it persisted as I awoke in the recovery room three hours later. This intervention left me with more positive feelings toward my care and care givers, and facilitated my adjustment to the results of my surgery. And for a certain OR nurse at the University of Cincinnati Hospital (I don’t even know your name), thank you. DIANAHERKINGKRUSE,RN, MSN, CCRN EDUCATION COORDINATOR AND NURSING CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST, CRITICAL CARE
CLERMONT MERCYHOSPITAL BATAVIA, OHIO
Editorial Praised The January editorial was “right on” regarding the parameters measuring quality of care in view of the focus of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals to soon include clinical outcomes as part of the accreditation process. AORN is to be commended for having already
developed outcome standards and having them available to perioperative nurses to measure quality of care. The standards, however, are useless unless used. We must continually be challenged to involve ourselves in the perioperative evaluation of the patient. This challenge is even greater in the changing health care environment of shorter stays, rapid turnovers, and tconomic restraints. The structure, process, and outcome standards were applicable when we were primarily treating inpatients. We must be even more innovative and creative in applying them to outpatients where quality of care is equally as important. JEANNIE BOTSFORD,RN, MS, CNOR OR/PAR DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR HENRYMAYONEWHALL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL VALENCIA, CALIF Letters to the editor are welcome.All such letters will be shortened/edited at the discretion of the editor. Please include your title and place of employment with your letter.
Hot Packs on Wounds May Help Prevent Infection Something as simple as applying a hot pack to a contaminated wound may have value in preventing infection, according to two physicians at the University of California, San Francisco. Using an implanted measuring device, they studied the effects of localized heat therapy on b l d flow and oxygenation in the subcutaneous tissue of eight patients. Blood flow resulting from the heat increased an average of three times. Oxygenation subsequently increased, as did subcutaneous temperature. The study, published in the February issue of Archives in Surgety, noted that oxygen plays an important role in clearing bacteria from wounds. If heat is applied to a wound, the b l d flow to the area increases, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the wound. The increased oxygen enhances the natural cleansing of bacteria from the wound. The added blood flow also enhances the delivery of drugs to the affected area, according to the physicians.
AORN JOURNAL
or lack of usefulness, of “rituals” before labeling them one or the other based on a subjective analysis of the literature. DENNISRoss, RN, MSN, CNOR OR INSTRUCTOR CASTLETON (VT) STATECOLLEGE
Old Intervention Still Works Best I am taking this opportunity to share my recent experience with a new application of a very old nursing intervention. All of us are aware of the benefits of therapeutic touch, but this was my first experience as a recipient. The occasion was Christmas eve, and I was undergoing my fifth induction of general anesthesia. This is not painful, but there is an unpleasant-and a little frightening-sensation that within seconds you will lose control of yourself and your environment. On this occasion, the nurse grasped both of my shoulders and softly reassured me that I would be all right. Her grasp was so firm that it distracted me trom the frightening feelings. Instead, 1 found myself concentrating on her voice and touch. The impression was strong enough that it persisted as I awoke in the recovery room three hours later. This intervention left me with more positive feelings toward my care and care givers, and facilitated my adjustment to the results of my surgery. And for a certain OR nurse at the University of Cincinnati Hospital (I don’t even know your name), thank you. DIANAHERKINGKRUSE,RN, MSN, CCRN EDUCATION COORDINATOR AND NURSING CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST, CRITICAL CARE
CLERMONT MERCYHOSPITAL BATAVIA, OHIO
Editorial Praised The January editorial was “right on” regarding the parameters measuring quality of care in view of the focus of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals to soon include clinical outcomes as part of the accreditation process. AORN is to be commended for having already
developed outcome standards and having them available to perioperative nurses to measure quality of care. The standards, however, are useless unless used. We must continually be challenged to involve ourselves in the perioperative evaluation of the patient. This challenge is even greater in the changing health care environment of shorter stays, rapid turnovers, and tconomic restraints. The structure, process, and outcome standards were applicable when we were primarily treating inpatients. We must be even more innovative and creative in applying them to outpatients where quality of care is equally as important. JEANNIE BOTSFORD,RN, MS, CNOR OR/PAR DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR HENRYMAYONEWHALL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL VALENCIA, CALIF Letters to the editor are welcome.All such letters will be shortened/edited at the discretion of the editor. Please include your title and place of employment with your letter.
Hot Packs on Wounds May Help Prevent Infection Something as simple as applying a hot pack to a contaminated wound may have value in preventing infection, according to two physicians at the University of California, San Francisco. Using an implanted measuring device, they studied the effects of localized heat therapy on b l d flow and oxygenation in the subcutaneous tissue of eight patients. Blood flow resulting from the heat increased an average of three times. Oxygenation subsequently increased, as did subcutaneous temperature. The study, published in the February issue of Archives in Surgety, noted that oxygen plays an important role in clearing bacteria from wounds. If heat is applied to a wound, the b l d flow to the area increases, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the wound. The increased oxygen enhances the natural cleansing of bacteria from the wound. The added blood flow also enhances the delivery of drugs to the affected area, according to the physicians.