Ideas That Work: Patient Safety/Ankle Bands

We place ID and allergy bands on the ankles of cataract patients to improve our visualization of the vital information during safety time outs. Instead of pulling back covers and drapes to locate the bands on patients' wrists, a process that was time-consuming and could contaminate the surgical field, our surgical team now gathers at the foot of the bed to confirm we're operating on the correct patient, review the consent form, and check the chart that confirms the type and power of lens that will be implanted. The entire process is now much more efficient, which is an important factor in high-volume cataract facilities like ours.

Karen Dargen, RN, BSN, CNOR
Eye 35 ASC
Schertz, Texas
[email protected]