In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Charles DeCook, Orthopedic Surgeon and President of Total Joint Specialists, to discuss surgical efficiencies in the OR. Tune in to learn more about the biggest inefficiencies in ORs today and how technology and workflow changes address them. Both hospitals and ASCs are focused on efficiency in the OR - in this episode, you will hear insights on why surgical time matters and the best practices to make the most out of each minute, how time plays a role in delivering value to a patient's operation, and suggestions to eliminate wasted time and resources. This episode is sponsored by DePuy Synthes, the Orthopedic Company of Johnson and Johnson. Dr. DeCook is a surgeon designer and paid consultant of an affiliate of DePuy Synthes. All views and opinions expressed by Dr. DeCook are based on his own knowledge and experience.
Summary
Efficiency in the Operating Room: Insights from Dr. Charles DeCook
Dr. Charles DeCook, an Orthopedic Surgeon and President of Total Joint Specialists in Atlanta, Georgia, joins us on this episode to talk about surgical efficiencies in the OR. Inefficiencies in the OR can lead to wasted time and resources, and can even increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. In this article, we will discuss some of the biggest inefficiencies in ORs today and how technology and workflow changes can address them.
The Biggest Inefficiencies in ORs Today
According to Dr. DeCook, the biggest inefficiency he sees in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) is from when the patient gets into the room to when the surgeon actually uses a scalpel and starts a surgery. This can take anywhere from 27 to 45 minutes. To address this issue, he recommends technology or workflow changes to help facilitate this process. He also emphasizes the importance of radical time transparency so that staff can track where time is being lost. By identifying where inefficiencies are occurring, teams can work to streamline the process and improve surgical outcomes for patients.
Why Surgical Time Matters
Surgical time matters because it leads to decreased risk of complications and improved outcomes for patients. High volume surgeons can deliver more value to the system by providing greater quality care, and ASCs can offer a lower cost per case and do more cases in an efficient manner. However, it is important to have a team that works together often and communicates clearly with each other. The OR, pre-op, and PACU teams should be split up to work independently of each other and have enough staff to turn over quickly.
Best Practices to Improve Surgical Efficiencies
Dr. DeCook recommends several best practices to improve surgical efficiencies in the OR. First, have a dedicated team that works together often and communicates clearly. Second, use technology and workflow changes to streamline the process from when the patient gets into the room to when the surgeon begins the procedure. Third, have radical time transparency to track where inefficiencies are occurring and work to eliminate those issues. Finally, split up the OR, pre-op, and PACU teams and have enough staff to turn over quickly.
Disclosure
This episode is sponsored by DePuy Synthes, the Orthopedic Company of Johnson and Johnson. Dr. DeCook is a surgeon designer and paid consultant of an affiliate of DePuy Synthes. All views and opinions expressed by Dr. DeCook are based on his own knowledge and experience.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 10/24/2022 and can be listened here.
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