title: Strategic problem solving in the new millennium.
abstract: Diagnosing problems, such as those related to failing equipment, lack of supplies, or scheduling disputes, and finding immediate and effective solutions can pose a challenge to perioperative nurses. Solving these problems can be accomplished, however, without excessive paperwork and cumbersome protocols. The problem tracking system is a standardized problem-solving method that creates a continuous cycle of documentation, feedback, action, and assessment, thus establishing an interdependence between problem identification, solution, and evaluation. In this system, all participants have a vested interest in ensuring successful outcomes, valuable internal resources are optimized, and measurable results are demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, USA.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kontryn
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D003142:Communication; D004282:Documentation; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005246:Feedback; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011340:Problem Solving; D013523:Surgical Equipment / Q000592:standards; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000379:methods*