The state of the art in OR product standardization.

Product standardization has been a problem in the OR. Product evaluation and standardization exists on a house-wide and OR-specific level at most institutions. Surgeons play some role in the process, though how much depends on the institution. Clinical trials must be conducted to avoid having surgeons or nurses revert to their old products during the trial. Physician preference still plays a major role in preventing standardization from taking place. But strategies that reduce--not eliminate--product choices, combined with purchase contract compliance and cost/usage data can help standardization efforts succeed.