Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Utilizing a 3D Printed Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Model to Shorten a Resident's Learning Curve
Published on: August 15, 2025
The Effect of Instructional Supervision by an Operating Room Assistant on First-Case Starts
Background:
Delays in starting first cases of the day are a common topic associated with high economic costs.
Purpose:
This study aimed to determine if an operating room (OR) assistant using an instructional supervision program could reduce the tardiness of first-case starts.
Design:
A prospective study was conducted. Data from four ORs were used to compare the effectiveness of an instructional intervention to reduce delays in starting first cases of the day.
Methods:
The first cases in two ORs received instructional supervision by an OR. The primary endpoint was the percentage of first cases that started on time. Other endpoints were the percentage of the team work score of OR staff and the percentage of patient satisfaction score.
Finding:
Over 48 weeks, the effect of instructional supervision was evaluated in 960 first-case starts. In the instructional supervision group (n = 480), the percentage of first cases that started on time increased significantly (92.1% vs 71.7%; P < .001), and there was a higher percentage of the team work score (84.4% vs 76.7%; P < .01) and patient satisfaction score (88.3% vs 79.4%; P < .001).
Conclusion:
Instructional supervision by an OR assistant can make a potential improvement in our on-time first-case starts per day.
