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Anesthesiologist strives for OR quality care


by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
Anesthesiologist Susan C. Harvey, M.D., was recently named the medical center’s associate executive medical director for perioperative services. Harvey will work closely with physicians, nurses, service line leadership and surgical services staff to continually improve health services and clinical outcomes while providing the highest quality care for MUSC patients in the medical center’s perioperative areas.
 
Dr. Susan Harvey

Harvey is an associate professor and vice-chair of clinical operations for the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine. She’s also a 1988 graduate of MUSC’s College of Medicine. She previously worked as a medical director in the operating room (OR). 
 
“Dr. Harvey has proven herself as a very effective medical director and I look forward to working with her in this enhanced role,” said Patrick Cawley, M.D., MUSC executive medical director.
 
Harvey’s position couldn’t have been better timed, especially as the medical center’s OR volume has increased by as much as 10 percent since 2008. With more patient procedures comes the responsibility for added efficiency, safety and accountability among nursing, surgery and the anesthesia teams, according to Karen Weaver, R.N., Surgical Services manager.
 
Described as a dynamic, intelligent team player, Harvey works regularly with Weaver to collaborate and communicate together to address and resolve OR issues including staffing challenges, schedules and other issues.
 
The everyday challenge of managing OR procedure start and end times can be compared to the precision performed by staff in an airport’s air traffic control tower. It’s an effort that’s successful when the support team comes together and is accountable, said Weaver. 
 
“Our goals are to make changes that improve OR efficiency and teamwork among surgery, anesthesia and nursing staffs,” said Weaver. “All of us learn to work together to help meet the needs of our patients and the organization.”
 
Aside from improving clinical outcomes, Harvey also will be responsible for quality improvements and addressing financial issues.
 
Harvey’s role will emphasize how managers and leaders can meet the medical director’s MUSC Excellence and quality goals using MUHA’s Leader Evaluation Manager application, a Web-based program that promotes goal setting and performance reviews and tracks performances and progress in meeting with organizational goals.
 
Additionally, Harvey will work with Cawley and all members of the OR Executive Committee for guidance on quality, safety, staff and surgeon satisfaction and efficiency measures. David Cole, M.D., professor and chairman, Department of Surgery, is the committee’s current chairman.

 





Friday, Nov. 20, 2009


The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.