ASC uses novel sedation techniques

Elmira, NY-An ambulatory surgery center (ASC) here has won an "Innovations in Quality Improvement Award" from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)'s Institute for Quality Improvement.

The facility also uses "social sedation," in which an employee holds a patient's hand and comforts the patient during the procedure. The alternative steps mean an anesthesiologist does not need to be present for patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Winners received a crystal award and a trip to Las Vegas, where they presented their study during the AAAHC Institute's annual meeting.