Gary Hagler, product manager, Integrated Medical Systems International Inc. (IMS)

"Olympus recognizes the multiple challenges our customers face when trying to achieve operating room efficiency and we are doing our part to help improve and enhance OR staff satisfaction through equipment standardization.

Many ASCs and hospitals use various towers that are taking up valuable room space while only being used certain days of the week for a range of specialties.

Olympus’ multi-specialty OR system simplifies and streamlines supply costs and OR throughput by providing one platform of equipment which can be utilized enterprise wide, 100 percent of the time. Staff does not need to move equipment in or out the room, which is limited by the nature of the ASC (saving space and time); not to mention purchasing fewer towers saves your organization money.

Our single OR platform can be used for numerous medical specialties including gastroenterology, pulmonary and thoracic procedures, general surgery, gynecology, urologic and otology, sinus and rhinology, and head and neck surgical products.

This technology enables ASCs to recruit and perform new and different surgical procedures while adding profitability to your organization and significantly streamlining cost savings and flexibility."

Eric Coolidge, senior product manager, Olympus

"As facilities evaluate new surgical instrument technologies, what will ensure the purchase will be a good investment for the future is to ask questions like: Will purchasing this product increase patient safety, increase better patient outcomes and offer a solution to a problem that the facility has or will have in the future? A good example of this is the increased investment into Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery instruments. These instruments allow for a smaller incision which in return increases patient safety, decreases time spent in the hospital and therefore decreases the likely-hood of a HAI which is a strong focus for every hospital today."

Melissa Waldroup, senior marketing manager, CareFusion V. Mueller Surgical Instruments

"There are many different factors that should be taken into consideration when evaluating new surgical instrument technologies. Among them, when looking at the initial cost of the investment, is to determine the expected time frame for the return on the investment. Find out if the new technology is being used by other facilities, if it will help bring new patients to your facility, and if it will increase the level of patient care and safety. With patient safety being the most important factor, find out what type of training is available and what will be required from the equipment vendor. This includes training for RN’s and SPD staff. Know the acceptable methods of sterilization, and if applicable, how to disassemble and reassemble devices for processing. This will not only improve patient safety, but will also prevent costly repairs and downtime. Involve staff in education and schedule programs to learn proper inspection and testing techniques. The vendor should be able to bring valuable education to you with regard to specialized programs which will further insulate long-term cost, repair, and eventual replacement.

Also, know the extent of the service contracts and limitations of the repairability of the item. If the equipment were to go down, does the vendor have on-site technicians and loaners available? Have your warranties in writing and have them explained to you by your service rep in advance, before issues arise. Create a partnership with the vendor and find out what other value-added services may be available. Also, work within your departments and your current repair vendor to implement cost savings initiatives that will help offset the upfront costs of the new technology."

Derek  Lashua, marketing  director, Spectrum Surgical Instruments Corp.

"You must focus on providing a quality experience through innovative device usage that clinically addresses each patient’s unique needs. If you really want a superior device, dig into the corporation or company selling it. The systems and people they have to support your investment will speak for itself."