Problem Identified
An OR department is overstaffed, but the facility’s surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, clerks, and housekeepers are skeptical that any personnel reductions can be made without jeopardizing patient safety or increasing overtime.
Solution Implemented
15%
Surgical Team Reduction
$384k
Hard Dollar Savings
The real-time tracking of patients was implemented in concert with the broad acceptance and use of a dynamic schedule by over 20 different departments and groups across the medical center. Clear graphical displays of block utilization statistics were developed allowing surgeon groups and hospital administrators to view performance at the end of each day, week, month, and quarter. These views encouraged collaboration and effective modifications to block schedules and staff assignments. Particular attention was given to the maximum number of surgical teams needed each day.
Benefits Documented
The implemented solution decreased by 15% the number of surgical teams staffed by the medical center and allowed the same number of procedures to be performed in fewer OR rooms. Patient safety was not jeopardized, and there was no increase in staff overtime. The hard dollar savings to the facility are $384,000 per annum.