Envisioning the future of surgery - President's Message

AORN Journal,  Oct, 2003  by Betty J. Shultz

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As was reported in the August issue of AORN Connections, on July 20 to 22, 2003, AORN sponsored the "Executive Symposium: Envisioning the Future of Surgery" at Beaver Creek, Colo. Senior level leaders in the surgical arena who attended included nurses, 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 thoughts regarding this meeting, and I would like to share them with you. President-elect, Bill Duffy, RN, BSN, MJ, CNOR, wrote,

The future of surgery symposium is the first blossom of the seed planted last year by President Shultz after a discussion with some of the leaders in the American College of Surgeons. That initial discussion has led to further discussions, and I believe helped get this symposium off the ground. That seed has the opportunity to drastically change the surgical environment.

Before this symposium, the key players in the surgicaI arena were, in fact, loosely associated groups. Now, I think we are more united than ever before. Why? Because for the first time in a long time, if ever, the key 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 present knew something must change in the way we relate if we are to get a handle on the social, economic, and regulatory forces that are buffeting the health care environment.

One small sign of this spirit of collaboration occurred when I had the opportunity to join President Shultz and Vice President Michelle Burke [RN, MSA, CNOR] on a work group to address workplace environment issues. Joining us were Dr Thomas Russell from the American College of Surgeons, Dr Eugene Sinclair from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, individual surgeons, nurse executives, an interventional radiologist, and a hospital administrator. As the group adjourned to make our presentation to the rest 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, but they are challenges for all of us. This step may not seem very big to some right now but for those with a vision, the door has been opened for a united approach to ensuring a strong future for our patients and our professions. (1)

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

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

The executive leadership symposium started out as a brainstorm for AORN and quickly became a success. The serene surroundings in which the conference was held stimulated collective thought from all participants and maximized concentration, along with a free exchange of ideas. It was obvious that multiple stakeholders were needed at the table, and that no one group alone will be able to solve the problems in health care delivery.

Collaborative efforts toward driving/managing the future of perioperative care will be the strength of future endeavors to educate the consumers and convince the regulators of what is necessary for a comprehensive network to provide quality care. Awareness of the changing environment and recognition of common workplace issues accents the need for practice standards, which will enhance workplace, as well as patient, safety.

The symposium was more than ever a call to collaborative action and hope for future cooperation. To quote a familiar advertising phrase--Just Do It!--together.

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

The common theme upon ending was what would the next 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 proud, but never so proud as at the Envisioning the Future of Surgery Symposium recently held at Beaver Creek, Colo. This was an AORN--initiated event to highlight and grow the partnership theme of AORN President Betty Shultz. The goal was to bring together nurses, surgeons, [chief executive officers], anesthesiologists, association executives, and industry to collaborate on what is to be the future of surgery. They were all there representing factions of the health care family, and the family members all agreed that the future was the child--quality patient care, which had to be our top priority.