Team Approach: Improving Orthopaedic Operating Room Efficiency

Miho Tanaka, Rashmi Prasad, Lauren A. Miller, Marina M. Fleck, Beverly Stiles, Catherine J. Boyne, The Hung Edward Nguyen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The cost of surgical care accounts for almost one-third of all health care spending in the United States. Within health care spending, the operating room (OR) is one of the largest health care costs during a perioperative episode of care. Efficiency in the OR has been associated with increased productivity, safety, and quality of care. However, multiple sources of delays can contribute to inefficiency, and improving efficiency in the OR requires a systematic approach to identify and address each issue. We report on the case of a process improvement initiative implemented in a large academic institution to improve OR efficiency in outpatient orthopaedic cases, and we discuss the lessons learned through this program. Optimizing workflow in the OR requires a multidisciplinary team approach consisting of clinician leaders with common goals and open discussion regarding the needs of each team member, including circulating nurses, surgical nurses/technologists, and anesthesiologists. Our experience highlights the importance of practical, clinician-driven changes that are supported by administrative engagement, resources for staffing and equipment, and institutional flexibility, which are required to implement systemic changes to address and improve efficiency in the OR.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere23.00036
JournalJBJS reviews
Volume11
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 8 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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