The responsibility of ensuring patient safety has now moved from hospital staff to individual users with access to laser technology, which was previously only available in operating rooms of hospitals. This transition has occurred frequently without the benefit of suitable or sufficient resources. The continual objective of creating and upholding a laser-safe environment for the patient, the staff, and the user at all times continues, irrespective of the practice location, application, or system in use.
What you will learn:
- How lasers interact with different tissues
- National laser safety standards
- Potential hazards associated with surgical laser use
- The role of protective equipment
- Responding to laser accidents
- Legal responsibilities of using lasers in surgery
- Routine maintenance of laser equipment
Details
Course length: 1 hour. CME: 1
Languages: American English
Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment.
American Medical Compliance is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education to physicians. Our Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is committed to enhancing the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of healthcare providers to improve healthcare outcomes. Through high-quality educational activities, we aim to address the identified educational gaps to support the continuous professional development of our medical community. American Medical Compliance designates this activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should only claim this credit for their complete participation in this activity.
Get Certified
American Medical Compliance (AMC) is a leader in the industry for compliance, Billing, and HR solutions. To become certified, please visit us at: American Medical Compliance (AMC).
Reach out for other courses by visiting the AMC Course Library.
Laser Safety
Laser safety is a concern for EVERYONE! A laser’s safety depends on the user, whose ability and knowledge determine how successfully safety is handled. The equipment is only as safe as its user. The most deadly of all dangers is complacency, therefore it’s critical to adopt a risk management approach to laser safety. Four steps must be taken to manage safety properly:
- Knowledge of standards
- Identification of hazards and risks
- Implementation of appropriate control measures
- Consistent program audit to demonstrate quality assurance
Hazards of Surgical Use
The heat breakdown of tissue during surgical operations involving a laser or electrosurgical equipment produces a smoke byproduct. Studies have shown that harmful vapors and chemicals, including bioaerosols and benzene, might be present in this smoke plume.
Large quantities of smoke irritate the upper respiratory tract and eyes of medical professionals and impair the surgeon’s vision. Not only does the smoke smell bad, but studies have indicated that it may cause mutations. Additionally, research has shown airborne contaminants generated by these surgical devices can be effectively controlled. Proper ventilation systems and using safe work practices are the recommended methods of control.
Click the link below to learn more about safe surgical practices when using lasers and how to avoid hazards.
