Act swiftly and assertively to stop trouble as soon as it starts. Put problem employees in their place.

Many of today's hernia meshes have a lower risk of adhesion and infection than their heavyweight, unwieldy predecessors. Prevent infection after hernia surgery.

Keep electrodes from drying out by keeping opened packages of electrodes in one of those plastic containers with snap-on lids. An Idea that Works from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Keep straws secure from floating up and falling out of the spout using the pop top. An Idea that Works from North Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center at Maple Grove.

Hand-held sculpting tool lets surgeons precisely resurface bone. Robotic-Assisted partial knee replacement tools.

Avoid the Ambu bag with this quick fix for dropped Oxygen saturation. An Idea that Works from Atlanta, Ga.

Reduce heat and energy expenses by insulating your boiler room. An Idea that Works from University Pointe Surgical Hospital.

Shortcuts and slip-ups are more common than you might think. Endoscope reprocessing's dirty little secrets revealed.

These ideas and innovations are improving the efficiency and safety of the most minimally invasive laparoscopy.

Use photos to remind staff how to set the table. An Idea that Works from Advanced Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Robotic cleaners give an extra layer of surface disinfection.

Sell your soon-to-expire supplies to another surgical center if you are unable to use it in time. An Idea that Works from Marion Eye Specialists Surgery Center.

8 questions on the rules that protect your staff. Get the point of sharps safety.

Recycle blue wrap to line storage shelves. An Idea that Works from Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

Quickly notify your turnover team that a room is ready for them by using a beeper. An Idea that Works from Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center.

Letters & E-mails - Outpatient Surgery Magazine - December, 2013

Collecting co-pays doesn't have to be a painful process. Settle up before surgery.

Encourage your staff's best behavior with a prime parking spot to show your appreciation. An Idea that Works from Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital.

Most readers we surveyed tout accreditation benefits, with a few caveats. How do you really feel about accreditation?

Have you automated these 5 areas yet? These folks only wish they'd done it sooner.