Ideas That Work: Stay on Top of Post-op Complications

RAISING AWARENESS Our red card system reminds us to monitor post-surgical problems.

Stay on Top of Post-op Complications

Here's a simple way to ensure that patients who report a complication or signs of infection during a follow-up call don't fall through the cracks. First, fill out a red card with the patient's name, medical record number, date of birth, date of service, physician and a brief description of the issue. Then place the red card in a hanging envelope in the nursing director's office. This way, she's always informed about a potential complication and can follow up with the physician on the outcome. The cards also act as a secondary surveillance system should a patient be treated out of town or by a physician other than the surgeon.

Lisa Ertle, BA, RN
Surgicare of Oradell (N.J.)
[email protected]