Ideas That Work: Cost Effective Care

You may not give much thought to the disposable safety straps that hold patients in place during surgery, but what if you knew they were costing your hospital close to $100,000 a year? A few years ago, the value analysis team here at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences realized our hospital spent $80,000 each year on disposable hook-and-latch straps and suggested reusable straps would eliminate the need to buy one for each case and be a more cost-effective option. The team argued reusable straps would not only reduce cost and waste, but also keep patients just as safe and secure. Our surgical staff was initially hesitant about utilizing reusable straps, and training was necessary to educate them on how to properly clean and sanitize each one between uses, but we've saved $70,000 over the course of a year since making the switch. In these trying times, it's important to think outside the box and find creative ways to save money. With cost-saving projects like these, you can bring in more personnel and care for more patients. It's a win-win.

Kenny Worley, RN, BSN, CNOR
Renee Lawrence, RN, MSN, CNS, CNOR
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Ark.
[email protected]