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We're in this together
Tackling the topic of health care in less than one hour is nearly as daunting a challenge as reforming health care in a single presidency. But David Gergen did it during a General Session, “A Look at the Issues Facing the Obama Administration” at AORN's 57th Congress in Denver.

Applying “Lean” to the perioperative environment
It takes a dynamic, cross-sectional team to implement positive change through the Lean Six Sigma methodology for process improvement, said Er Ralston, BS, MBA, vice president of Juran Healthcare, and Carol Applegeet, RN, MSN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN, director of Perioperative Services, St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colo. The people doing the work are the ones that need to be involved in identifying key changes, stressed Ralston, known as the “Sensei” (master) of Lean.

Voting scheduled for Thursday
On Thursday, March 18, AORN delegates will elect AORN's national leaders for 2010-2011. New this year, the delegates will be using an electronic voting system, rather than using paper ballots. Learn more about this electronic voting.

Accreditation and compliance challenges in the ambulatory surgical center
The Joint Commission accreditation process for ASCs has changed in 2010, and now includes unannounced surveys, individual patient tracers to collect data, a survey guide for facilities, a ready-to-go list to help facilities prepare for accreditation, onsite survey activities and education that help surveyors see what employees do best at their facility, and periodic performance review formats.

Health care professionals should embrace social media
Social media is the number one activity on the Web and offers a way for users, including health care professionals, to connect with each other on a virtual platform. 

Congress highlights
Follow business, awards and other activites from Congress that are being covered by the Congress News team. 

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