424 - PIPE Your Flow

P¹-I-P²-EYour Flow AndGainEfficiency intheOR Er ika A Fowler, cst, mph; Ann Cole , rt (r), mha L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S s Identify a simple framework for communicating in the OR s Learn how to decrease system clogging and increase flow efficiencies s Explain why pre-surgical screenings are a necessary component of the care team s Examine principles on how hospitals can use scheduling systems to be more predictive s Read about how a care teams’ friendly approach to meeting with the patient can help with the patient’s recovery T his article will focus on communicating a simple framework of care across all aspects of the surgical department. The use of a simple model provides ease in communicating various care prin- ciples, promotes system thinking and opens the staff to investing time in creating new ways of delivering care. M O D E L O F E F F I C I E N C Y Healthcare workers in the operating room deal with many aspects of care. A surgical patient’s care begins in the surgeon’s office with sched- uling the surgery. This care continues through the pre-operative steps, including patient pre-op testing, post-op care and rehab. During this initial phase in the workflow, a wide variety of patient and staff com- munications occur inside and outside the operating room. The number of interactions and steps involved, coupled with a vast number of diverse roles, can cause process inefficiencies. These inefficiencies lead to barriers To effectively manage the enormous economic pressures facing hos- pitals today, leaders must be able to move the organization through change and seek efficiency in providing care. Sharing a vision for change and challenging long-standing paradigms promotes an envi- ronment of influence where others feel empowered to seek new ways of providing care. Identifying elements using a metaphoric framework aids in communicating a vision and helps in standardization; thereby leading care teams to meet efficiency goals. APRIL 2019 | The Surgical Technologist | 159