As was reported in the August issue...

As was reported in the August issue of AORN Connections, onward July 20 to 22, 2003 AORN sponsored the "Executive Symposium: Envisioning the coming time of Surgery" at Beaver inlet Colo. Senior level leaders in the surgical arena who attended included festers surgeons, anesthesiologists, interventional radiologists, hospital administrators, association leaders, and members of industry. Thirty-four representatives attended this symposium, as did the Executive Committee of AORN's Board of Directors and a number of staff members from Headquarters. I want to say thank you to AORN Headquarters staff member--especially Twilla Barlow, director of corporate relations--for their hard work in making this symposium a success

VIEWPOINTS

I asked the members of the Board of Directors' Executive Committee to write their studys regarding this meeting, and I would like to share them with you. President-elect, Bill Duffy RN BSN MJ CNOR, wrote

The what is yet to be of surgery symposium is the first bloom of the seed planted last year according to President Shultz after a discussion with a certain quantity of of the leaders in the American society of Surgeons. That initial discussion has l to further discussions, and I believe helped commit to memory this symposium off the clod That seed has the opportunity to drastically change the surgical environment.

Before this symposium, the lock opener players in the surgicaI arena were, in fact, loosely associated collections Now, I think we are more united than perpetually before. Why? Because for the first time in a extended time, if ever, the lock opener participants in our professional world all sat together and shared their wisdom and experiences to address the challenges facing the surgical environment. I noticed a growing spirit of collaboration and partnership that guided the individual organizations and professionals in their deliberations. Everyone at hand knew something must change in the way we relate if we are to achieve a handle on the social, economic, and regulatory forces that are buffeting the health care environment.

the same small sign of this spirit of collaboration occurr when I had the opportunity to join President Shultz and Vice President Michelle suffocate [RN, MSA, CNOR] on a work arrange to address workplace environment issues. Joining us were Dr Thomas Russell from the American literary institution [i]or[/i] seminary of learning of Surgeons, Dr Eugene Sinclair from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, individual surgeon supply with nourishment executives, an interventional radiologist, and a hospital administrator. As the assign places to adjourned to make our presentation to the quiet of the cohort, Dr Russell asked me to join him in copresenting our work as a sign of the collaboration that took place in developing our tactics. I think this sent a message that the challenges facing the workplace environment are not just nursing challenges or surgeon challenges, further they are challenges for all of us. This degree may not seem very big to near right now but for those with a vision, the door has been expanded for a united approach to ensuring a able to endure future for our patients and our professions. (1)

Many attendees annotationed about President-elect Duffy and Dr Russell copresenting the conclusions of their workgroup, and the powerful message this action communicated.

AORN Treasurer, Paula Graling, RN MSN CNOR, said,

The executive leadership symposium started public as a brainstorm for AORN and quickly became a succes The placid surroundings in which the meeting for consultation was held stimulated collective thinking from all participants and maximized concentration, along with a released exchange of ideas. It was obvious that multiple stakeholders were povertyed at the table, and that no the same group alone will be able to interpret the problems in health care delivery.

Collaborative efforts toward driving/managing the coming events of perioperative care will be the vigor of future endeavors to educate the consumer and convince the regulators of what is necessary for a comprehensive network to provide quality care. Awareness of the changing environment and recognition of used by all workplace issues accents the ne for practice standards, which will enhance workplace, as well as patient, safety.

The symposium was more than for aye a call to collaborative action and chance of the desired end for future cooperation. To adduce a familiar advertising phrase--Just Do It!--together.

AORN has taken the first degree The question remains, who shut ups the power to change the classification of health care delivery in this way that patients are sale, and workers, whether they be physicians, feeds industry representatives, specialty technologists, or assistive personnel can provide care in a safe environment without personal injury? And the next to the first question is how do we do this in an economically efficient way that allows us to utilize the latest technologically advanced delivery systems?

The customary theme upon ending was what would the nearest steps be as far as a timeframe? The answer--sooner than later. (2)

Sharon McNamara, RN MSN CNOR, AORN's Secretary wrote

Many times in my history with AORN I have stood tall and noble but never so proud as at the Envisioning the that will be of Surgery Symposium recently held at Beaver small river Colo. This was an AORN--initiated circumstance to highlight and grow the partnership theme of AORN President Betty Shultz The goal was to bring together foments surgeons, [chief executive officers], anesthesiologists, association executives, and industry to collaborate onward what is to be the that will be of surgery. They were all there representing factions of the health care family, and the family members all agreed that the coming time was the child--quality patient care, which had to be our top priority.