Closing the gosh-darn door during surgery

When operating on a patient, minimizing infection risks and eliminating harmful distractions are crucial to their safety—which is why excessive door openings can be a real problem, says Brad Truax, MD, a board-certified physician in neurology and internal medicine with over 20 years of experience in medical administration and patient safety. There are several ways that people have approached the issue, Truax says. By taking steps such as logging door openings, having all necessary equipment in the OR, and setting up a communication system, and signaling when surgery is in progress, surgical teams can better protect patients.

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