Intentional Clinical Process Design to Improve Outcomes for Patients Who Require Emergency Surgery

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are associated with a 90% overall mortality and $150 000 cost of care per patient. Despite improvements in intensive care and surgical technology, morbidity and mortality remain unchanged over the past 20 years. The most significant predictor of survival is time from the door of the hospital to the operating room. To streamline operational efficiency, a team utilized Lean Six Sigma methodologies, team training, and intentional clinical process design to institute changes in our clinical processes, enhance care coordination, and improve communication. Changes led to a $1.8 million profit on operations, 10-day reduction in length of stay, and 89% survival rate among patients with ruptured AAA.