October 2021 Table of Contents Editor's Page: Food for Thought Stressful Situation Surgical professionals search in vain for work-life balance as healthcare facilities face nationwide staffing shortages. All-Natural PONV Prevention Aromatherapy boosts the efficacy of traditional antiemetic medications. Strategies for Success in Total Joints Identifying the best candidates for surgery and outfitting your ORs with state-of-the-art technology is a winning recipe. Insights on Instrument Care High-volume surgery centers know how to run efficient sterile processing departments. A Smarter Way to Clean ORs Spot checks and staff synergy improve surface cleaning and help speed room turnovers. Know the Options for Optimizing Wound Care New developments can shift closing incisions from an afterthought to a critical part of the case. The Essential Elements of Endoscope Reprocessing Keeping scopes clean and safe demands constant monitoring of the high-level disinfection process. A Personalized Plan for Post-op Pain Avoiding cookie-cutter analgesia regimens will ultimately improve outcomes. Top Trends in Anesthesia Care Ultrasound techniques, streamlined anesthesia machines and airway management tools help providers perform safer and more efficient care. Ideas That Work: Surgery Is Less Scary With Worry Monsters Ideas That Work: Comfort Patients With ‘Handesthesia’ Ideas That Work: Learn From the Mistakes of Others Ideas That Work: Ask Open-Ended Questions in Pre-op Ideas That Work: Make Recycling Easier for Staff Ideas That Work: Empower Staff With ‘Opportunity for Improvement’ Cards Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Where All Surgeons Are Welcome A new organization promotes acceptance and inclusivity. Safety: Help With Heavy Lifting Proper lateral transfers of obese patients prevent staff injuries. Anesthesia Alert: Patient Care in an Impatient World Rely on empathy to determine what’s bothering frustrated patients. Thinking of Buying... Patient Positioning Devices Know what to look for when evaluating products that support safe care. Product News Great ideas for your OR Behind Closed Door: Weather Patterns Life in the OR often resembles all that Mother Nature has to offer. DID YOU SEE THIS?