AST Guideline - Best Practices in Alarm Management in the Operating Room

7 6. CSTs should be familiar with and have basic knowledge of the types of alarm-equipped devices that are used in the operating room including devices that are specific to surgical specialties, e.g. cardiovascular surgery. A. The CST should be familiar with the purpose of the devices as well as the sound of the alarms for each device. B. The CST should complete annual continuing education in safe alarm management as well as complete continuing education about new devices that have been acquired by the surgery department. 5 1) Surgical staff should be educated about new equipment since the alarms may differ from the old equipment. C. If poor compliance with a P&P is identified, the surgery department alarm safety management committee should examine the issue to determine if the P&P is necessary or if the poor compliance can be addressed through education and training. 2 Competency Statements Competency Statements Measurable Criteria 1. CSTs have the knowledge and skills, and teamwork approach, to work with surgical team members in promoting a safe and caring surgical environment through the development and implementation of alarm- safety management policies and procedures. 2. CSTs can serve on as well as participate in the work of an HDO Alarm Safety Management Committee and/or Surgery Department sub-committee. 3. CSTs have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the teamwork in the OR regarding awareness of alarms and communicating to the correct team member there is a potential problem with a patient or with the medical device itself. 4. CSTs have in-depth knowledge of the ESU, in particular the active electrode and the skills to be aware of when the active electrode is in use and when not in use. 1. Educational standards as established by the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology . 6 2. The didactic subject of the types of medical equipment used in the OR is included in a CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program. 6 3. Students demonstrate knowledge of medical equipment in the lab/mock OR and during clinical rotation. 4. CSTs work with the surgical team members in implementing the alarm safety management policies and procedures of the HDO. 5. CSTs participate on the HDO’s Alarm Safety Management Committee and/or Surgery Department sub-committee. 6. CSTs complete continuing education to remain current in their knowledge of alarm safety management practices for the OR. CST® is a registered trademark of the National Board of Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).