Perioperative fluid management.

Technological advances have changed how traditional surgical procedures are performed. New knowledge and surgical skills are required to effectively monitor the patient and manage fluids administered perioperatively. Today, selective fluids are used in a variety of surgical specialties.

Parents influence and advance pediatric policy.

Consumers are driving outcomes in healthcare. In children's hospitals, the consumers are the parents and the patients. This article describes the process undertaken to respond to parents' requests to be present during the induction of anesthesia in their child.

An innovative interdisciplinary approach to self-directed learning with a focus on the continuum of patient care.

Current regulatory review standards emphasize the hospital's role in providing continuum of care. Today, patient care staff must know more about the "continuum of care" concept so they can help patients more fully understand their treatment and take an active role in their own care. One of the challenges is finding creative and effective ways to get the message across to everyone on the staff.