ASCs should carefully approach robotics purchasing and integration to make the hefty investment worthwhile, according to Andrea Lessner, BSN, RN, who shared her thoughts with The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.
Ms. Lessner is total joint coordinator for surgical services at North Valley Surgery Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. Five tips she offered:
1. Don't buy a robot if your surgeons don't have a "gung-ho attitude" toward it — this attitude is essential to success.
2. Develop a close relationship with your robotics vendor, as you'll be purchasing more than just a robot. There will also be implants, disposables and maintenance agreements to secure.
3. Develop and execute a clinical integration plan so that you can begin performing cases soon after the robot arrives.
4. Get comfortable calibrating the robot, running diagnostics, setting up handpieces and performing other necessary functions, even without a vendor representative in the room.
5. Generate positive buzz around robotics by encouraging surgeons to discuss it with their peers, running practice labs and holding community events.
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