All season long, we've been breaking down the silos between the OR and Infection Prevention teams. So where do we go from here? In this "Silo-Free Surgery" season finale episode, Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce are joined by Maureen Spencer and Peter Graves to talk about what it takes to turn collaboration into action. They discuss why effective SSI prevention means looking beyond policies and bundles to observe what's really happening before, during, and after surgery. From outdated policies and overlooked environmental risks to direct observation and surgical stewardship, Maureen and Peter challenge teams to bring the right people to the table and take shared ownership of safer surgical care. The season may be ending, but the work of breaking down silos is just getting started. Tune in today!

Thanks for tuning in to "Silo-Free Surgery!" We'll see you soon for another season of the First Case and Transmission Control podcasts.

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#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #SafeSurgery #Collaboration #SSIPrevention #Policies

A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we're bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Pathways are changing the surgical experience for our patients. Our surgical patients are experiencing shorter lengths of stay, decreased postoperative pain, a more rapid return of bowel function, and decreased readmission rates. Joining us today to provide more insight into the implementation and benefits of ERAS pathways is Kim Duggan, Senior Director and ERAS Specialist at Pacira Biosciences. Tune in to hear Kim's personal experience establishing ERAS pathways at her facility, learn what barriers she faced, and how she succeeded. We'll also learn more about one of the non-opioid medications commonly used to provide long-term pain relief for our surgical patients. Tune in for more!

#operatingroom #surgery #opioidcrisis #opioids #opioidsparingsurgery #perioperative #ornurse #scrubtech #ERASPathway #painmanagement

A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we're bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen.

Are you ready for Season 11 to begin?? In this season, we're "Going Beyond Opioids" and focusing on the opioid crisis and alternative pain management methods. And we're kicking it off with none other than Orthopedic Surgeon and Opioid Sparing Advocate, Dr. Scott Sigman! Tune in as Dr. Sigman shares his personal experiences and insights into the devastating effects of the opioid crisis and find out what sparked his passion for opioid sparing techniques. Plus, learn with us as Dr. Sigman discusses the transformative impact of opioid-sparing techniques in practice. Don't miss this powerful discussion that challenges the status quo in pain management!

#operatingroom #surgery #opioidcrisis #opioids #opioidsparingsurgery #perioperative #ornurse #scrubtech

When something doesn't look right in the OR, do you have the confidence to speak up? In this episode of "Silo-Free Surgery," Garrett Hollembeak sits down with certified surgical technologist, educator, and infection preventionist Julia Jackson to talk about the role surgical conscience plays in protecting patients and preventing surgical site infections. From protecting the sterile field to slowing down for a meaningful timeout and questioning something that doesn't look right, Julia shares why doing the right thing in the moment matters, even when it isn't always easy. If you've ever hesitated to speak up in the OR, this episode is a powerful reminder of why your voice matters.

Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!

#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PatientSafety #Timeout #SpeakingUp #SurgicalConscience

The OR sees one thing. Infection Prevention reports another. So who's right? In this episode of "Silo-Free Surgery," hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Trey Morrow are joined by infection prevention expert Emily Barnard to tackle one of the trickier parts of SSI surveillance: PATOS, or "present at time of surgery." Emily breaks down the difference between clinical and surveillance definitions, why the right documentation matters, and how seemingly small details in the operative note can make all the difference in accurate SSI reporting. From wound classification to the very specific language behind PATOS criteria, this conversation shows why OR and IP teams need a shared understanding of what they're seeing and documenting. If PATOS has ever caused confusion in your facility, this conversation is for you!

Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!

#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PATOS #SurgicalSafety #Documentation #Reporting

Every day, healthcare teams rely on IFUs to get the job done. But how often do we stop to think about how they actually come together? In this week's special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Alpa Patel to take a closer look at why manufacturers' instructions for use play such an important role in preventing surgical site infections. Drawing on decades of experience in reprocessing validation, Alpa explains how IFUs are developed, why they don't always fit real clinical workflows, and what manufacturers can learn from the frontline teams using them every day. If you've ever found yourself asking, "Why does the IFU say that?" or "Who writes these things?" this episode has the answers!

Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!

#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #IFU #SSI #Prevention #Validation #InstrumentReprocessing #Workflows

Every surgical procedure depends on a reliable barrier between clinicians and patients, but is every glove designed to deliver the same level of protection? On this week's First Case Vendor Spotlight™, Rachel Dalton, MSN, RN, CPPS, Global Manager of Medical Affairs at Cardinal Health™, discusses how the Protexis™ Surgical Glove Portfolio is helping OR teams stay ahead of evolving best practices around glove changing, double-gloving, and latex-free surgical environments. With features like Neu-Thera™ coating, independent thumb design, and interlocking beaded cuffs, the Protexis™ Portfolio helps support comfort, dexterity, and reliable protection throughout every procedure. From product innovation to hands-on clinical support, discover how Cardinal Health™ is helping OR teams build confidence in every layer of protection.

Interested in bringing the Protexis™ Surgical Gloves Portfolio to your facility? Connect with your Cardinal Health™ sales representative or visit their website to request free samples, access CE courses, white papers, additional resources, and more. Plus, be sure to check out their previous Vendor Spotlight™ episodes featuring the Protexis™ Portfolio for even more insights. Tune in today!

Tune in to previous Vendor Spotlight™ episodes here:

Fits Like a Glove: The Performance & Protection of Latex-Free Gloves – Listen Here!

Caring for the Hands that Heal: Identifying the Impact of High-Quality Surgical Gloves - Listen Here!

The pace may be different, but the goal is exactly the same: delivering safe surgical care. In this week's special season co-release episode, we talk with Carlene Smith about what surgical site infection prevention looks like in ambulatory surgery centers. As someone who's worked in Sterile Processing, Infection Prevention, and the OR, Carlene shares her unique perspective on the challenges ASC teams face every day. From balancing limited resources and shared responsibilities to identifying small gaps before they become bigger problems, she discusses how ASC teams can stay proactive while keeping patient safety at the center of every workflow. No matter where surgical care happens, this conversation is a reminder that infection prevention starts with strong teamwork.

Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!

#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #AmbulatorySurgeryCenter #ASC