OR.NET: multi-perspective qualitative evaluation of an integrated operating room based on IEEE 11073 SDC.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Surgical Technology
• Health Systems Engineering

Background:

• Clinical environments are increasingly complex, demanding integrated solutions for diagnosis, treatment, and care.
• The OR.NET project developed technologies for open integration of medical devices and IT systems in operating rooms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate concepts for openly integrated operating rooms from diverse stakeholder perspectives.
• Assess the feasibility and impact of proposed OR integration technologies.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative evaluation of a demonstration operating room focused on head and neck surgery.
• Feedback collection via questionnaires from hospital operators.
• Structured interviews with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR staff.

Main Results:

• Clinicians require flexible data and control integration for improved workflows.
• Hospital operators highlighted the need for simplified risk management tools in integrated ORs.
• Stakeholder feedback confirmed the need for OR integration technologies.

Conclusions:

• Openly integrated operating rooms offer benefits for surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, technical personnel, and hospital operators.
• Key barriers to future OR integration include a lack of tools for risk management and approval processes.
• The study underscores the necessity of advanced OR integration technologies.