Swedish Updates Overlapping Surgery Policy

The topic of overlapping surgeries has been part of recent national discussion – in both medical and public arenas. Swedish has been part of this conversation, and as a continuously learning organization, we began a review of our overlapping surgery policy several months ago.

While the available data, including our experience at Swedish, overwhelmingly supports the safety and efficacy of overlapping surgeries, Swedish has decided to take an enhanced approach moving forward. We have established more specific parameters around attending surgeon presence during surgical procedures. We have also enhanced monitoring, centralized scheduling and revised patient-consent communications.

The policy changes were developed collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, charge nurses and other caregivers. They reflect our mission of putting patients first, and our intention to listen, learn, and be open to changes in traditional practices. We want patients to feel comfortable and confident in the high-quality care they receive at Swedish.