Jeep Philosophy

The Jeep Philosophy

The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery utilizes an innovative philosophy to keep pediatric patients stress-free as they prepare for procedures. Rebecca Rainey, the lead OR nurse for The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery (CMIS), decided to incorporate a Jeep philosophy into the preparation of pediatric patients scheduled for surgery. The impact has been a drive-thru success story.

Center-for-Minimally-Invasive Surgery-Jeep-Philosophy

Understanding the concept

“I was on an airplane reading a copy of ASC Focus Magazine when I saw a remote-controlled truck being used to transfer a pediatric patient to pre-op,” she explained. “I’m a Jeep aficionado, so I wanted to try and find a Jeep that we could use to help our kids enter the procedure area stress-free.”

Rainey found a remote-controlled Jeep and worked with Michelle Corner, the Director of Nursing in approaching upper management. “Everyone was very receptive to the idea,” Corner said. “We explained that having our kids relaxed and comfortable when they enter pre-op and the procedure center was critical to their well-being. They agreed and helped us get the coordinate implementation.”

Using the Jeep in patient care

Today, when a child is getting ready for an outpatient procedure at CMIS, a part of their prep is cruising in style behind the wheel of a bright red Jeep as they enter pre-op. “Our patients enter the area happy, not nervous and upset,” Rainey said. “That’s our goal.”

The unique and innovative philosophy that was used to bring a Jeep into pre-op is standard operating procedure at CMIS. Located at 9200 Calumet Avenue in Munster, CMIS is a multi-specialty outpatient surgery center with a focus on orthopedics, spine, ENT, pediatrics, podiatry and pain management procedures. The mission is to deliver excellent surgical care in a convenient, comfortable, outpatient environment. The CMIS team is dedicated to serving patients in a professional, compassionate manner, meeting their unique needs.

Improved patient care

For Corner and Rainey, pediatrics is personal. “Many healthcare facilities pre-medicate children prior to entering the procedure area,” Corner said. “That can contribute to longer recovery times after the procedure. We choose to find alternatives that avoid extra medication and additional stress.”

Playing games and doing puzzles with children in recovery is part of pediatric patient management, according to Rainey. “It’s less clinical and more like an outing,” she said. “We also let kids tour the area before they have to say goodbye to Mom and Dad. They feel better knowing their surroundings, and that matters to us.”

The Center handles about 130 patients every month, according to Lisa Davis, the Administrator. “Our staff ranges between 20 to 25 employees,” she said. “Our goal is for every patient to get personal one-on-one treatment during their stay.” She pointed out that the Center has incurred zero post-op infections since opening four years ago. “That’s another strong indicator of how we approach patient care.”

Alleviating patient anxiety

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) like The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery have increased over the past few years. The procedures performed are outpatient in nature. Patients recover and heal much better and faster if they can do so in the comfort of their own home. The goal is to reduce recovery time and do a more thorough job of pain control.

For the younger patients, it’s a chance to drive the totally awesome big red Jeep right into the operating room area for a procedure that’s no longer feared.

Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery serves the Greater Chicago Metro and Northern Indiana area providing pediatrics surgeries. CMI Surgery is dedicated to providing surgical care for patients and their families in a convenient and comfortable outpatient environment. To learn more, contact us today!