Parallel processing essentially eliminates turnover time for surgeons because they can begin working on the next patient in the other room immediately after finishing with the first patient. Shriners has been able to increase throughput by approximately 30 percent using this scheduling pattern, Mr. Bowden says. In addition, eliminating turnover time for physicians avoids additional delays because staff members do not have to find surgeons who may have used the time to see other patients or take a break outside the department, Mr. Bowden says. Parallel processing also benefits staff members because they aren’t as rushed during turnover. “There’s usually not as much panic or running around or rushing,” he says.
This scheduling model does present some challenges, however. First, because OR teams are assigned to a specific room and surgeons move between them, staff members have to be skilled in a variety of procedures to accommodate each surgeon’s case. Secondly, OR leaders need to gain the buy-in of surgeons and staff to shift from a traditional, sequential system to a new, parallel system of working. “The operating room is a very routine-oriented place,” Mr. Bowden says. “Changing that routine usually meets some resistance.” Mr. Bowden manages resistance by educating the physicians and staff on how the new model can benefit them. Surgeons benefit from added cases and no turnover time; staff members benefit from less pressure during turnover time and positive feedback from physicians who appreciate being able to move immediately from one case to another in a room that is already prepped. “Help people mentally grasp what [they will be] doing, and most of the time people are accepting,” Mr. Bowden says.
Related Articles on OR Efficiency:
How a Successful Hospital OR Can Advance the Entire Organization: 3 Responses
Improving Hospital OR Utilization Through Block Scheduling Management
How to Determine Quality Indicators to Track: Q&A With Dr. John Di Capua of North American Partners in Anesthesia and North Shore-LIJ Health System
