Implementing Medical Technological Equipment in the OR: Factors for Successful Implementations

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Technology Management
• Surgical Innovation
• Patient Safety Engineering

Background:

• Operating rooms (ORs) are increasingly incorporating advanced technology, creating complex challenges for financial, logistical, and patient safety management.
• Implementing new technological equipment in ORs is difficult due to unique hospital policies and the need for tailored approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical success factors for the effective implementation of new technologies and equipment within operating room environments.
• To establish a baseline for developing a holistic implementation model for OR technological advancements.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted across ten databases.
• 1592 titles were screened, and 37 relevant articles were included for analysis.

Main Results:

• Six key influencing factors were identified: processes and activities, staff, communication, project management, technology, and training.
• A seventh category, performance, was identified as a resulting factor during implementations.

Conclusions:

• Aligning identified influencing factors is crucial for successful implementation, adaptation, and safe utilization of new OR technology.
• These factors provide a foundation for a generic, holistic implementation model for technological equipment in ORs.