Improve operating rooms performance using lean and statistical methods: A case study

Omar Ashour, Faisal Aqlan, Anne Pedersen, Rachael Knox, Nicholas Bowers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of implementing lean principles and statistical analysis to improve operating rooms (ORs) performance measures, i.e., block utilization and turnover time. Eight-step problem solving process was applied to identify wastes and their associated root causes and recommend solutions to improve the OR performance. The study was carried out at a tertiary hospital in Pennsylvania. The analysis has identified the main reasons of delays that impact performance, i.e., waiting in OR after surgery due to bed unavailability, delays in preoperative process due to IV insertion difficulty and unavailable beds, and scheduling problems such as late first case starts and unrealistic surgery schedules. Countermeasures were developed. Reevaluating the current scheduling practice and developing a scheduling tool are believed to be the best countermeasures in terms of ease of implementation and impact.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication67th Annual Conference and Expo of the Institute of Industrial Engineers 2017
EditorsHarriet B. Nembhard, Katie Coperich, Elizabeth Cudney
PublisherInstitute of Industrial Engineers
Pages61-66
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780983762461
StatePublished - 2017
Event67th Annual Conference and Expo of the Institute of Industrial Engineers 2017 - Pittsburgh, United States
Duration: May 20 2017May 23 2017

Publication series

Name67th Annual Conference and Expo of the Institute of Industrial Engineers 2017

Other

Other67th Annual Conference and Expo of the Institute of Industrial Engineers 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh
Period5/20/175/23/17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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