Improving Operating Room Efficiency with AI Technology
A major challenge facing operating rooms is the lack of accurate time measurement, leading to delays in surgeries. According to a Duke University study, more than 70% of surgeries do not start on time due to inaccurate reporting and inefficient documentation processes.
The Challenge
Houston Methodist Hospital faced issues with OR efficiency, relying on human-entered data and estimation for decision-making. This resulted in underutilization or overutilization of operating rooms, causing delays and inefficiencies in patient care. Coordination among surgical teams was also a challenge, leading to further delays and reduced productivity.
Historically, the hospital relied on the EHR for operational data, which was not designed for management and analysis. Documentation delays and lack of real-time insights hindered decision-making and optimization of OR processes.
The Proposal
To address these challenges, Houston Methodist adopted Apella, an AI technology that uses ambient sensor technology and computer vision to provide real-time data from OR video feeds. This technology aimed to improve scheduling, planning, coordination, and patient outcomes by providing accurate and timely information to surgical teams.
By integrating AI technology with existing EHR systems, Houston Methodist aimed to enhance OR efficiency, reduce documentation delays, and improve staff coordination throughout the surgical process.
Meeting the Challenge
Apella’s AI technology enabled Houston Methodist to capture and analyze OR events in real-time, providing insights into scheduling changes, turnover times, and resource utilization. The technology allowed for better decision-making, improved staff communication, and increased OR utilization without compromising patient care quality.
By leveraging AI and computer vision, Houston Methodist was able to identify new key surgical events, track perioperative steps accurately, and segment surgeries into more manageable phases for benchmarking and improvement.
Results
Following the implementation of Apella in its ORs, Houston Methodist saw a 10% increase in monthly case volume and a 15% increase in OR capacity without adding staff members. This resulted in improved patient care, higher quality outcomes, and increased efficiency in the cardiovascular ORs.
The hospital staff embraced the AI technology, recognizing its value in providing accurate and reliable data for decision-making and process optimization. The success of the initial pilot led to the system-wide rollout of the technology across all surgical facilities.
Advice for Others
Change management is crucial when introducing new technologies like AI into healthcare settings. Demonstrating the value and impact of AI technology through pilot projects and tangible results is essential for gaining buy-in from staff and driving adoption.
By focusing on the benefits of AI technology in improving operational efficiency and patient care, healthcare organizations can enhance their processes, optimize resource utilization, and drive better health outcomes for patients.
Follow Bill’s HIT coverage on LinkedIn: Bill Siwicki
Email him: bsiwicki@himss.org
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