Workflow management in the operating room. Analysis of potentials for optimizing efficiency at a university hospital

The introduction of the diagnosis-related groups reimbursement system has increased cost pressures. Due to the interaction of many different professional groups, analysis and optimization of internal coordination and scheduling in the operating room (OR) is mandatory. The aim of this study was to an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Der Anaesthesist 2010-10, Vol.59 (10), p.904-913
Main Authors: Welker, A, Wolcke, B, Schleppers, A, Schmeck, S B, Focke, U, Gervais, H W, Schmeck, J
Format: Article
Language:ger
Subjects:
Appointments and Schedules
Diagnosis-Related Groups
Efficiency, Organizational
Germany
Hospitals, University - economics
Hospitals, University - organization & administration
Operating Rooms - economics
Operating Rooms - organization & administration
Perioperative Care
Personnel Staffing and Scheduling
Workflow
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Summary:The introduction of the diagnosis-related groups reimbursement system has increased cost pressures. Due to the interaction of many different professional groups, analysis and optimization of internal coordination and scheduling in the operating room (OR) is mandatory. The aim of this study was to analyze the processes at a university hospital in order to optimize strategies by identifying potential weak points. Over a period 6 weeks before and 4 weeks after intervention processes time intervals in the OR of a tertiary care hospital (university hospital) were documented in a structured data collection sheet. The main reason for lack of efficiency of labor was underused OR utilization. Multifactorial reasons, particularly in the management of perioperative interfaces, led to vacant ORs. A significant deficit was in the use of OR capacity at the end of the daily OR schedule. After harmonization of working hours of different staff groups and implementation of several other changes an increase in efficiency could be verified. These results indicate that optimization of perioperative processes considerably contribute to the success of OR organization. Additionally, the implementation of standard operating procedures and a generally accepted OR statute are mandatory. In this way an efficient OR management can contribute to the economic success of a hospital.
ISSN:1432-055X
DOI:10.1007/s00101-010-1752-4