Instrument Manufacturing: Implications for Perioperative Teams.

The development of surgical instruments began thousands of years ago and continues to evolve. National and international government agencies regulate the manufacturing of instruments in some cases, and the differing regulations can affect instrument quality. Although stainless steel contains an alloy of iron and chromium with other metal and nonmetal materials, its composition can vary; this variation may cause instruments to function differently than expected. The manufacturing process for surgical instruments is complex, and perioperative nurses should understand the process to assist with purchasing decisions. When making these decisions, perioperative nurses should partner with surgeons, sterile processing department personnel, and the manufacturers' representatives to discuss the scope of use and plans for reprocessing. Surgical instruments' functionality can affect procedure efficiency, patient outcomes, and surgeon satisfaction. Knowledge about surgical instrument manufacturing should help perioperative teams provide safer care for their patients.

Perspectives regarding family disclosure of genetic research results in three racial and ethnic minority populations.

The lack of data on perspectives of racial and ethnic minority populations regarding family disclosure of individual research results (IRR) hinders the development of return of IRR policies and practices that are meaningful and culturally appropriate in diverse populations. This research aims to uncover preferences regarding family disclosure of IRR and identify factors that may shape the preferences in three minority populations. Nine focus groups with 68 adult African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and American Indian/Alaska Native individuals were conducted. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants were willing to share IRR with relatives who elected to know and preferred a participant-driven (vs. researcher-driven) decision-making process. Privacy of personal information was deemed important, as were anticipated familial benefits from genetic information, except when improper use of the information was suspected. Factors influencing family disclosure decisions included the family's biological and emotional closeness, and participants' perceived mental preparedness of the relative. Family disclosure of IRR among racial and ethnic minority individuals is a complex decision-making process wherein issues of individual privacy are entangled with family dynamic and familial benefit considerations. These data suggest that policies surrounding family disclosure of IRR should carefully consider participant preferences and adopt a participant-driven approach.