Daniel J Lee1,2, James Ding3, Thomas J Guzzo3. 1. Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. daniel.lee4@uphs.upenn.edu. 2. Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, West Pavilion 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. daniel.lee4@uphs.upenn.edu. 3. Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Operating rooms are critical financial centers for hospital systems, with surgical care representing about a third of all health care spending. However, not all of the costs are appropriate or necessary, as there are sometimes significant inefficiencies in how operating rooms are utilized. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent innovations utilizing patient-centered data, systems principles from manufacturing industries, and enhanced communication processes have made significant improvements in improving operating room efficiency. By focusing on improving communication, standardizing processes, and embracing a learning health system with innovations, significant improvements in operating room efficiency can be seen to improve outcomes and costs for the health system and patient.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Operating rooms are critical financial centers for hospital systems, with surgical care representing about a third of all health care spending. However, not all of the costs are appropriate or necessary, as there are sometimes significant inefficiencies in how operating rooms are utilized. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent innovations utilizing patient-centered data, systems principles from manufacturing industries, and enhanced communication processes have made significant improvements in improving operating room efficiency. By focusing on improving communication, standardizing processes, and embracing a learning health system with innovations, significant improvements in operating room efficiency can be seen to improve outcomes and costs for the health system and patient.