LocumLife - September 2008 - (Page 12)

Unplugged sensor,” he adds. “That really changed how we monitor patients’ saturation interoperatively. Previously, it required an arterial blood gas test, which is an invasive procedure.” Thanks to acute care hospitals and other large organizations “We assume installing local area networks board-certified (LANs), personnel can log into the to review anesthesiologists inhouse server electronicany number of files or medical will be familiar records (EMRs) anytime, from any ORs with the lay of the location. “Ourcall upare set up for wi-fi so we can chest or other computer land.” diagnostic X-rays on our comput—Johnathan Isom, MD, MBA ers or even on our personal digital assistants (PDAs),” says Dr. Isom. “For complicated procedures, such as neuro cases, this capability really provides us with better tools to use while caring for our patients.” The future technological potential seems limitless. “There will come a point when computers will assume a heavy load of duties in the OR,” comments Dr. Isom. “They will be programmed to put patients under anesthesia and adjust medications based on continuous vital signs, blood gases, and oxygen saturation readings. Meanwhile, anesthesiologists will be overseeing it all via a remote screen.” In the meantime, Dr. Isom, who agreed to periodic locum tenens opportunities earlier in his 18-year career, seeks out temporary professionals who possess “easy personalities and a variety of clinical skills” to join his group. “Because the OR is an intimate environment,” he says, “it is very important for new members to get along with the existing surgical team. Also, we need to be able to trust their clinical judgment.” Included in that required experience is a working knowledge of various computer-based programs. “We assume board-certified anesthesiologists will be familiar with the lay of the computer land,” notes Dr. Isom. “In fact, we often find locum tenens physicians and CRNAs to be more up-to-speed with a greater variety of software than permanent hires because they have practiced in so many different facilities.” Of course, such functions are dependent on facilities’ information technology (IT) and technical parameters. But the same can be said for traditional hardware. “Ironically, one of the hospitals where I practice had its land-based telephone lines go Circle Career Card No. 601 12 LocumLife SEPTEMBER 2008 www.LocumLife.com http://locumtenens.comphealth.com http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - September 2008 Editorial Contents From Nalto Stat! Dynamics The Net Last-Minute Luxury Unplugged Going Wireless on the Road Getting Oriented Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - September 2008

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