Problem Identified
On-call physicians or those focused on rounding or administrative duties do not arrive just-in-time to perform a procedure. Calling in for status updates or arriving prior to when a procedure can begin frustrates physicians and reduces their productivity. Alternatively, a physician arriving after a procedure is ready results in staff inefficiency, case delays, and reduced patient safety.
Solution Implemented
+30%
Case Volumes
+20%
On-Time First Starts
The minute-by-minute tracking of patients and their statuses was implemented and used to dynamically adjust the facility’s real-time master schedule. Personalized views of the schedule along with customized alerts were developed for every physician and made transparent through their cell phones and office workstations. Examples of alerts include indicating that a patient has entered pre-op or that a patient has entered an OR room.
Benefits Documented
The implemented solution has contributed to a 30% increase in case volumes, a more than 20% improvement in on-time starts, and reductions in staff over-time. Surgeons acknowledge that they now maximize their time in clinic, making rounds, and meeting their other responsibilities. Clinical and clerical staffs acknowledge a reduction in stress and having more time to focus attention on their patients verses managing surgeon arrivals. In addition, physicians and staff acknowledge increases in their overall job satisfaction.