Advances in surgical instrumentation allow surgeons to treat patients with less morbidity and shorter recovery time. However, the increasing complexity also adds to surgical risk, and to operating room supply chain burden. To improve the quality and efficiency of operating room instrument availability, we developed and validated a Lean 5S approach consisting of sort (determining instrument usage and waste), simplify (removing unnecessary instruments), sweep (confirm availability of needed instruments), standardize (all trays the same for a given procedure), and self-discipline (monitor success). The primary outcome was reduction in unnecessary instruments delivered to the operating room. As a secondary analysis, we evaluated the effect of the Lean instrument intervention on surgery times. We reduced the number of instruments for minimally invasive spine surgery by 70% (from 197 to 58), and setup time decreased 37% (13.1-8.2 min, p = .0015). We also report subsequent validation of the approach on deep brain stimulator cases. We conclude that complex surgical procedures offer opportunities for substantial waste reduction, simplification, and quality improvement, with potential institutional annual cost savings of $2.8 million. We demonstrate that Lean methodology can improve quality at lower cost.

The number of patients on anticoagulation therapy has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Yet, few studies have examined the psychosocial barriers of low literacy, culture and inappropriate patient education materials used to teach older African Americans about their anticoagulation therapy. The aims of this study were to investigate literacy levels among older patients, and evaluate the readability and determine the cultural sensitivity of written information used in an anticoagulation management clinic. A descriptive, correlational design was used. Patients' (n = 62) knowledge levels and the readability and cultural sensitivity of written materials were examined. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) was used to measure reading skills of patients, while the SMOG formula (a formula for assessing readability) was used to test the readability of written educational materials used in an Anticoagulation Management Clinic. A Knowledge Information Profile, developed for this study by one of the authors (Wilson), was used to measure patient knowledge about warfarin, medication side-effects and food sources of vitamin K. A modified, culturally sensitive and easy-to-read pamphlet was used as an alternative teaching tool in the study. The results of the study revealed the average self-reported for highest grade completed in school was twelfth grade; however, the actual mean reading skills were between seventh and eighth grade. The readability of the written information was three to four grades higher than patients' reading abilities. None of the patient education materials were culturally sensitive. This study underscores the importance of having information that is understandable and culturally relevant to prevent the outcome of internal bleeding. Nurses have a vital role in educating patients and ensuring that teaching materials are appropriate for the target population.

BACKGROUND: Trends in breast cancer mortality in the United States are decreasing, but racial disparities persist. Using an implementation science framework to inform evidence-based breast cancer screening and navigation within federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) with community stakeholders can mitigate barriers to screening. METHODS: Using an integrated theoretical framework of the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model and the Social Ecological Model, the University of Illinois Cancer Center and Mile Square Health Centers (MSHC) FQHC developed a breast cancer screening and navigation program, known as the Mile Square Accessible Mammogram Outreach and Engagement (Mi-MAMO) program, to tackle breast cancer disparities in Chicago among underresourced communities. To increase access to screening, patient navigators conducted community outreach activities. Partnerships were forged with community-based organizations, health care systems, and insurers. Outcomes were monitored with standardized performance measures. RESULTS: Between January and December 2017, 103 women received a screening mammogram at MSHC. To increase screening rates, Mi-MAMO was , 779 women received navigation to screening and/or diagnostic services through the Mi-MAMO program. The majority of women were uninsured (63.9%), and 95.5% were racial/ethnic minorities. Twenty-four percent (n = 185) completed diagnostic services, and 10 women received positive breast cancer diagnoses (mean age, 49.7 years); all successfully navigated to treatment. The Mi-MAMO program is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Deploying an integrated framework for patient navigation programs can increase breast cancer screening utilization and awareness among underresourced populations at higher risk for breast cancer. Cancer 2020;126:2481-2493.

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