Question

An outpatient surgery manager is evaluating infusion pumps for the operating room. The manager should:

1) Select the least expensive brand.
2) Use a decision-making tool to evaluate brands.
3) Ask the nursing staff which brand they prefer.
4) Select the vendor the institution usually buys from.

Answer 1

An outpatient surgery manager should use a decision-making tool to evaluate infusion pumps for the operating room, considering various important factors beyond just cost, mirroring the methodical checklist approach used in other medical procedures for safety and efficacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an outpatient surgery manager is evaluating infusion pumps for the operating room, the most appropriate approach would be to use a decision-making tool to evaluate different brands. This methodical approach allows for a comprehensive assessment, taking into account various factors such as cost, functionality, durability, support and service, compatibility with other equipment, and user preferences. This aligns with medical best practices similar to how checklists are used in critical environments like ICUs and operating rooms. For instance, Dr. Pronovost's checklist for ICU procedures, which improved safety and efficiency by ensuring no step is overlooked, or the protocol where a nurse reviews key items aloud with the surgical team to guarantee procedural accuracy and accountability.