Three Keys to Optimizing Efficiency and Productivity in the Operating Room

Three Keys to Optimizing Efficiency and Productivity in the Operating Room discusses the challenges faced by hospitals and health systems in delivering care efficiently and productively, particularly in the operating room (OR) and procedural areas. These areas generate the highest potential revenue of any area in a hospital, but misaligned incentives and inefficient practices threaten that margin. The contentious culture within the OR stemming from a lack of communication, collaboration, and cooperation among key stakeholders is a major cause of inefficiency. The white paper proposes a threefold solution to address this issue.

• A dedicated governance/management structure – The governance structure involves forming a surgical services executive committee and a management committee, as well as performance improvement teams comprised mainly of nurses.
• Data and benchmarking of best practices – The use of data and benchmarking is essential to direct and manage operations and identify weak spots in the perioperative process.
• Performance reporting – Managing performance through reporting is essential. Software, like Merlin™, can help streamline reporting capabilities.

The solution can take one to two years to optimize but the effort results in maximizing efficiency and productivity while maintaining or improving clinical quality.

To read the full white paper, complete the form to the right.