Researchers drafted hypothetical scenarios affecting OR management decision-making or efficiency. The hypothetical scenarios were revised to reflect specific conditions using the OR information system or anesthesia information management system. OR managers assessed whether their decisions were consistent with the described scenarios. Then, the scenarios were indexed for OR management. For example, a new OR manager deciding whether to move a case can reference the chapter on “Moving Cases on the Day of Surgery” to find a scenario that describes his or her specific circumstance.
Scenarios have been adapted and used at 22 hospitals. Few changes in decisions were needed to increase OR efficiency. The few changes varied among hospitals, demonstrating the need for individualized assessments.
Read the study about event-based knowledge elicitation.
Read other coverage about OR efficiency:
– Daily Reminders, Logging Arrival Times Improve OR First-Procedure Delays
– Length of Surgery, Blood Loss Are Top Stress Factors for Surgeons
– Study: ACS’ Recommendation for Trauma Patient Triage May Not Be Feasible
