Ideas That Work: Make IV-Free a Patient Choice

Practical pearls from your colleagues

Some patients have a deep-seated fear of needles that can taint even the smoothest surgical experience. Whenever possible, it’s best to give these patients the option of PO/oral sedation.

That’s why SightTrust Eye Institute in Sunrise, Fla., now offers patients the option to go IV-free for cataract and refractive surgery.

The move provides the patient with greater flexibility, increased collaboration regarding their medical procedure and desired experience, and a quicker recovery, says SightTrust VP and Chief Operating Officer Victoria Wiltshire, MBA, RN.

With the decrease in the amount of providers and the rising costs of anesthesia, the move also created a cost-saving opportunity for the practice, she adds.

Overall, Ms. Wiltshire says, the PO choice is all about providing next-level surgical comfort. “We are one of the first centers to provide needle-free sedation — a relaxing experience that does not require an IV injection,” she says. “You no longer need to fast the day of surgery and can have a quick recovery after a procedure that only takes minutes.” OSM