How do you start to Identify what is the right fit for your team?
When you’re checking out all the exhibits and see something that sparks your interest, it’s important to vet those products with some basic information to take back to your facility.
Erin Kyle, DNP, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, Editor in Chief of AORN’s Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, suggests asking the following 5 questions (plus two bonus questions), which are essential when evaluating a potential addition to your OR suite.
- How long has this item been available in the U.S. market, and what outcomes data have been reported associated with use of the product? Ask for copies of published peer-reviewed scientific literature.
- Are there adverse events associated with the use of this product and, if so, how has your company made improvements?
- If my organization requests a trial of this product, does your company provide products and education to support us?
- If we were to purchase your product, how do you support us long-term?
- Does your company have a purchasing agreement with my organization already? Does the cost of this item reduce costs in other areas of patient care (such as savings associated with avoiding surgical site infection) and do you have literature to support these claims?
BONUS QUESTIONS:
If the item is reusable, such as an instrument: What cleaning, decontamination, disinfection and sterilization methods are recommended in the instructions for use (IFU) for this product? This is especially important when considering instrumentation because organizations may or may not have access to the equipment and technology that is needed to process the item.
What is your company doing in the area of sustainability and does your product research and development process include a product life cycle assessment? In today’s world, sustainable practices are front and center in all aspects of our lives. With the OR being the resource-intensive environment that it is, perioperative RNs can make a substantial difference by selecting and using environmentally preferable products and equipment.
