At the 18th Annual Ambulatory Surgery Centers Conference in Chicago on Oct. 28, David Shapiro, MD, partner of Ambulatory Surgery Company, discussed elements of a successful anesthesia service in ASCs.
Dr. Shapiro said anesthesia in ASCs should have the following attributes:
• Consistency. Dr. Shapiro suggested gathering a "cohort of consistent physicians in the center" to develop processes and policies for anesthesia. Consistency in anesthesia providers can also enable the ASC team to work more cohesively.
• Competence.
• Commitment. Anesthesia providers should be part of the team financially, physically (staying at the center for the duration of a case) and emotionally, Dr. Shapiro said.
• Collaboration. ASC administrators should collaborate with anesthesiologists when updating policies and procedures.
• Customer service orientation.
• Compliance. Anesthesiologists at an ASC should follow appropriate standards, techniques and practice advisories.
• Communication. Dr. Shapiro said anesthesiologists should be surgeon-focused when communicating. "It's not doing everything they say, but [being] aware of the surgeons' needs, expectations and practices."
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Dr. Shapiro said anesthesia in ASCs should have the following attributes:
• Consistency. Dr. Shapiro suggested gathering a "cohort of consistent physicians in the center" to develop processes and policies for anesthesia. Consistency in anesthesia providers can also enable the ASC team to work more cohesively.
• Competence.
• Commitment. Anesthesia providers should be part of the team financially, physically (staying at the center for the duration of a case) and emotionally, Dr. Shapiro said.
• Collaboration. ASC administrators should collaborate with anesthesiologists when updating policies and procedures.
• Customer service orientation.
• Compliance. Anesthesiologists at an ASC should follow appropriate standards, techniques and practice advisories.
• Communication. Dr. Shapiro said anesthesiologists should be surgeon-focused when communicating. "It's not doing everything they say, but [being] aware of the surgeons' needs, expectations and practices."
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