After this session you’ll be able to:

1. Integrate shared governance methodology into practice to improve surgical technologist (ST) engagement.
2. Identify the process to implement a ST committee.
3. Describe novel approaches designed to improve ST participation and commitment.

Why this is important:
Engaged perioperative teams have better patient outcomes, higher levels of employee satisfaction, and better staff retention rates. As part of the OR team, surgical technologists (STs) are as vital to the culture of an OR as their nurse counterparts.

At The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in an effort to improve engagement and reduce turnover, STs were given the opportunity to play an integral role in quality improvement on the unit with the creation of a Surgical Technologist Committee. Using novel approaches and practical strategies can improve ST participation, job satisfaction, and retention. Speakers will describe the committee’s goals, structure, and activities.