Dr. Søren Meisner, the head of the Endoscopy Department at Bispebjerg Hospital, has always been at the forefront of innovation and has developed new, original, and internationally recognized techniques by critically analyzing the existing methods and thinking outside the box. His ultimate goal is to achieve better outcomes for his patients, and his lifelong fascination with new technology is the key to achieving that. Dr. Meisner is always open to new ideas and is willing to take risks if he believes they will make a significant difference. The latest example of his forward-thinking approach is the implementation of Ergonomic Lighting in the department, which is a testament to his commitment to technological advancement for the benefit of his patients.
Achieving Better Outcomes through New Technology
— I have always been captivated by the endless possibilities that come with new technology. In fact, alongside my medical studies, I spent several years studying computer science, shares Dr. Søren Meisner, the head of the Endoscopy Department at Bispebjerg Hospital, as he continues:
— It's not the technology itself that is interesting, but rather what it can be used for. New technology should be used to achieve better results. It should make a difference for the patients before it becomes interesting. The balance lies in being critical and open to new ideas. Here in the department, we perform approximately 4,000 endoscopies per year. We insert small scopes and instruments through the body's natural openings and conduct examinations and treatments in the gastrointestinal region. Our patients primarily have colon cancer or rectal cancer, so better treatment methods can mean life or death. But even smaller interventions have their justification. If something is thought of originally and has not been seen before, and it also improves our working conditions, then I'm all for it and will fight for it. That's how it was with Ergonomic Lighting, which I heard about from our Olympus supplier. He had seen it in action in Nyborg and was excited about the concept. I thought, I need to learn more about this - and so I did.
A customized adjustable triumph
— In the endoscopy room, our work is monitored on computer, X-ray, and TV screens. To prevent screen reflections, we have always worked in darkness - or rather in twilight - for 37 hours a week. However, constantly being in semi-darkness can make one feel a bit gloomy and unfocused, says Søren Meisner.
— The need for innovative lighting was evident. We could never read in the lighting we had. We had to turn the lights on and off again. The different functions have different needs along the way - which were not previously taken into account. Some need to open packages or assemble small gadgets. The doctor looks at the screen. Sometimes there are younger doctors in training. And often, patients benefit from watching. Ergonomic Lighting is adjustable - and the concept is developed to meet the needs of all those involved - both the staff and the patient. Each function has its own color, tailored to the need - making the overall solution brilliant. The patient's experience is central. They feel more secure and competently treated. The lighting has a calming effect - it takes the focus away from the clinical and promotes dialogue with the patient. Ergonomic Lighting definitely makes a difference - and we have gotten rid of the gloom that previously hung over the room, explains Søren Meisner and adds:
— However, initially, we did not have the resources for Ergonomic Lighting. Once again, the solution was to think outside the box.
Ergonomic Lighting with great potential
— I reached out to Claus Puggaard from Chromaviso, and we quickly started a dialogue. Here in the department, we could see all the benefits of Ergonomic Lighting in our endoscopy rooms, but initially, financing was a challenge. The potential was huge - you just had to multiply it by the number of endoscopic examination rooms across the country to see the possibilities. So I offered Claus the opportunity to establish a room with Ergonomic Lighting at our hospital and use it for demonstrations - and he agreed, shares Søren Meisner.
— The results have exceeded our expectations. The entire staff prefers the room with Ergonomic Lighting. My colleague, who is a full-time endoscopist, experiences far fewer migraine attacks. The well-being of our patients has increased, and it now seems absurd to work in darkness when we have the alternative of Ergonomic Lighting available. My clear vision is to have Ergonomic Lighting in all the other rooms. Currently, we only have it in two rooms, but that is due to various factors, he explains.
New purchasing procedures in the department
— In the future, there are plans to construct a new building in the area, which has resulted in a more conservative approach to interior investments. Today, there is a different battle for funding within a larger system, explains Søren Meisner.
— Previously, each hospital was allocated funds from their own sources as well as a central pool. Now, the region has control over the funds – the corporate region, corporate procurement. This means that larger quantities can be purchased at a favorable price. The EU procurement rules follow their own procedures. For us, this could result in equipment delays and less flexibility. When we initially built the department and along the way, where we developed several new techniques such as the colonic stent, we benefited from the short decision-making processes and the support we received from the department management in Department K and from the hospital's top management. Progress and development are not free, he emphasizes.
Clear visions and long-term planning
— The concept of Ergonomic Lighting is well thought out. It reflects an innovative mindset - and that appeals to me. Since I agreed to start the Endoscopy Department in 2000, the vision has been to shape the development in the field and dare to think outside the box. It took ten months to build up the new department and get things running smoothly. Clear visions and long-term planning were the way forward. Our secret goal was to be internationally recognized in 2004 - and we succeeded. I cannot take credit alone. From the very beginning, I have worked closely with Finn West, who serves as the department leader - an alternative department nurse. Finn originally trained as a medical technician, and it is a great asset for the department to have him here. He has 30 years of endoscopy experience, great technological insight, and is skilled in procurement, hardware, and personnel management. In order for it to be possible, we sought an exemption from the Danish Nurses Association. First as a one-year pilot project, which has since become permanent, says Søren Meisner.
Ingenuity and enthusiasm
— Finn West and I form the department's leadership and complement each other well. Our acquaintance goes back to 1986 when I wrote my thesis here at Bispebjerg. We shared an office and a passion for new technology. Together, we developed Denmark's first electronic endoscopy database - even before the invention of the hard drive. During that time, I also learned programming and, along with a friend, developed medical software. It was software for connecting various measuring devices to computers, such as oxygen meters, pressure gauges, and more. We noticed that the devices had computer connection ports, and since there was no software program available, we created it ourselves. That same motivation drives me today. By staying ahead of the game, we develop new techniques that optimize results. When everything is calculated, described, and documented, it takes at least 1 1/2 years, but it's worth the effort. The most important thing is to never run out of ideas and to keep your enthusiasm intact, concludes Søren Meisner.