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Improving Efficiency and Standardization in a Robotics Program: A Quality Improvement Project
Author(s) -
Price Michael,
Bates Anne,
Clagett Michael
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1002/aorn.12401
Subject(s) - standardization , robotics , turnaround time , workflow , engineering management , workgroup , artificial intelligence , computer science , health care , operations management , quality (philosophy) , robot , operations research , process management , engineering , database , political science , operating system , philosophy , epistemology , law
Abstract After an evaluation of the growing robotics program at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Delaware, perioperative leaders identified needs related to a lack of instrument set standardization and inconsistent workflow processes; these deficiencies were causing higher‐than‐anticipated turnaround time (ie, 59 minutes) and an excessive inventory of sterilized robotic instruments. A workgroup was created to review the results of the evaluation and develop solutions for the robotic surgery program. Goals included a 40‐minute procedure turnaround time and a 35% reduction in sterilized robotic instrument set inventory one year after project initiation. By developing a team training program, improving operational efficiencies, and improving standardization, the robotics program achieved a 10‐minute TAT reduction and a 54% reduction in sterilized robotic instrument inventory. Personnel considered the project to be a huge success because it laid the groundwork for improving efficiency and standardization in Christiana Care Health System's robotics program.