AANS Online Scientific Session: Socioeconomic-Surgical Efficiency: Identifying Causes and Reducing Delays in Operating Room Workflow

Surgical Efficiency: Identifying Causes and Reducing Delays in Operating Room Workflow

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Mark Zaghi, a fourth-year Harvard MD MBA student, discusses the issue of operating room delays and the impact they have on labor utilization, resource utilization, and healthcare costs. He explains that identifying the individual causes of these delays can be challenging due to the complex nature of the process. To address this, Zaghi and his multidisciplinary team used objective electronic health record (EHR) data to analyze delays in neurosurgery cases at Mass General Hospital. They found that 27% of first starts were delayed, with the most significant delay occurring in the pre-op complete to in-room segment. They also observed delays in patient check-ins and patient preparation. Potential solutions include streamlining the check-in process, optimizing workflow in the OR, and standardizing data collection variables. Zaghi concludes by expressing gratitude to his team and mentor, Dr. Brian Naheed.

Asset Subtitle

Mark Zaki

Keywords

operating room delays

resource utilization

electronic health record data

neurosurgery cases

workflow optimization