Just like other areas of medicine are evolving, anesthesiologists are experiencing changes, but also consistencies. Julie Anderson, general manager of Sharn Inc., pointed out a couple.
Two Changes:
1. Demand for Disposables
The healthcare industry is being pushed to use more disposables after cases of improper repurposing resulted in patient infection, causing increased scrutiny from organizations, such as The Joint Commission, she said. “The goal is patient safety and reduced risk of infection, and no stone goes unturned it seems,” she observed. For anesthesiologists, this means reusable instruments, such as laryngoscope blades and handles, are replaced with disposable alternatives, despite environmental and budget concerns, she explained. “Disposables offer the logical solution at the moment but require a shift in thinking and may take some getting used to.”
2. Patients are typically older and larger.
As the United States patient population gets older and more overweight, there’s new challenges in establishing an airway. “I think the appetite for less traumatic devices continues to be strong, because the population is getting more challenging,” Anderson said.
Two Consistencies:
1. Airway products are still in demand.
“Airway management is one of the most important things an anesthesiologist does,” she said. As a result, there is an array of options for facilities to use. Video assisted airway management options are extremely popular, just like any other video-related OR product, as are adjunct devices she said.
2. Suppliers and professionals need to work together.
“It’s important to keep a dialogue open between the clinical community and industry side of the community – we have to be partners,” Anderson said. If there’s a steady flow of conversation and feedback, she said suppliers can support needs and trends with adequate products. “We help to develop the instruments and tools that enhance their practice, so their feedback and interaction with us, is really important,” she added.
This article originally appeared in the July/August issue of Surgical Products.
