Safe Surgery Times - ASA volunteer volume | Page 8

Key questions

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What to do if too many/too few delegates arrive? If there isn’t enough printed material? If there’s a power cut?

The best workshop plan takes into consideration the reality that something, at some point, will not go according to that plan. Perhaps the most useful conversations and decisions are made on site, before or even during the workshop. Be flexible, cooperative and inventive. Trust that everyone involved is working towards the same outcome, and that the opportunity to bring anaesthesia providers together for discussion and learning is in and of itself a positive thing.

What to do if there’s a problem with the oximeter(s)?

Report any fault to Lifebox immediately, with a detailed description of the issue. Take photos of any visible damage. Each oximeter is under warranty for two years and each probe and battery under warranty for one year. Make arrangements with Lifebox to return any faulty equipment for review, maintenance and replacement.

Should we charge the oximeters, or use disposable batteries?

It’s up to you. You can use 3 AA batteries, or insert the rechargeable battery and charge the oximeter overnight. Note that the first time the rechargeable battery is used it should be fully charged, then fully discharged (through use). This will extend the battery life.

How long does a Lifebox workshop take?

The Lifebox workshop is a complete package, designed to educate anaesthesia providers at nurse/technician level. It can be delivered in anything from half a day, to a full day, which is ideal.

Who should receive the pulse oximeters?

The goal of this workshop is to ensure that all patients are safely monitored during surgery, and all oximeter donations provided by Lifebox/ASA should be used to further the surgical safety mission, i.e. in ORs and recovery settings. (Oximeters purchased independently from Lifebox for use in low-resource settings may be used in other areas of the hospital.) Please talk to Lifebox or ASA if you have concerns on this issue.

Does the oximeter belong to the delegate who takes it home?

No. The oximeter belongs to the hospital, and should not be removed without approval from the medical director. However, we recommend that named anaesthesia providers are entrusted as responsible for units, to ensure that they are always available for surgery (not ‘safe’ in a cupboard or in another part of the hospital).

Are the delegates expected to start using the Checklist immediately?

No. The Checklist is a simple tool that can be complicated to implement. It takes confidence, teamwork, commitment, and engagement with the entire theatre staff – in other words, it takes a lot of time. The Checklist component of the Lifebox workshop is an introduction. It’s an opportunity to get delegates engaged with the concepts behind safer surgery and excited to participate in role play with it.

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