Service Lines: All service lines
Number of ORs: 10
The Challenge
Our client faced a growing challenge in its operating rooms (ORs). With 10 ORs handling a high volume of surgeries, the hospital needed to improve efficiency and reduce costs without compromising patient care. The primary issue was the excessive number of instruments in the OR, which led to:
- Increased time spent sterilizing and handling instruments.
- Higher costs associated with maintaining and replacing instruments.
- Staff frustration due to inefficiencies in the OR and Sterile Processing Department (SPD).
They needed a solution that would save time, reduce costs, and improve staff satisfaction while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
The Solution: ORion™
They partnered with Pegasys Medical to implement ORion, an AI-driven platform designed to optimize surgical trays and streamline workflows. The program’s success relied on three key elements:
- Strong Leadership: OR leadership at this hospital played a pivotal role in driving the program’s success. They dedicated time to review optimized tray configurations, analyze data, and collaborate with staff to implement changes. Their leadership fostered a culture of accountability and engagement.
- High Staff Engagement: The program relied on OR staff involvement to identify and reduce unnecessary instruments through capturing images of trays at the end of each surgery. Leadership created buy-in to the process by giving them a voice in the final tray configurations.
- Data-Driven Approach: ORion used advanced imaging technology and AI to capture and analyze instrument usage. This data provided actionable insights to optimize tray configurations and reduce redundancies.
Implementation Process
The implementation of ORion followed a structured process:
- Assessment: ORion images were used to conduct a comprehensive assessment of instrument usage across all ORs.
- Staff Involvement: Leadership set aside dedicated time to review instrument trays and discuss potential changes with staff.
- Data Collection: Over 4,104 images were taken, and 1,997 surgeries were observed to identify 34,885 instruments.
- Optimization: Based on the data, unnecessary instruments were removed, and tray configurations were streamlined.
- Continuous Improvement: Regular reviews and feedback loops ensured sustained engagement and ongoing optimization.
The Results
ORion delivered significant quantitative and qualitative results:
Quantitative Outcomes:
- Instruments Removed: 1,030 instruments
- Touchpoints Reduced: 122,003
- Time Savings for the OR: 475 hours
- Time Savings for the SPD: 1,017 hours
- Cost Savings: $1.8 million
Qualitative Feedback:
- Staff reported feeling more empowered and engaged in the process.
- The OR and SPD teams experienced improved workflows and reduced frustration.
- Leadership noted a positive cultural shift toward continuous improvement.
Why It Worked
- Leadership Drives Results: The dedication of their leadership team created a ripple effect, inspiring staff to actively participate and achieve measurable results.
- Staff Engagement is Critical: Involving staff in the decision-making process ensured that changes were practical and well-received, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
- Data-Driven Decisions Deliver Impact: The use of advanced imaging and AI data analysis allowed them to make informed decisions that optimized instrument usage and improved efficiency.
The Bigger Picture
The success of ORion at this hospital demonstrates how data-driven, staff-engaged solutions can transform OR operations. This case study highlights the importance of leadership, staff involvement, and innovative technology in addressing healthcare’s most pressing challenges.
Interested in Learning More?
If your organization is facing similar challenges, schedule a demo with our team to see how ORion can help you achieve measurable results.
