Rewarding On Time Start Times in Operating Rooms Improves Efficiency

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Surgical Operations
• Performance Improvement

Background:

• Operating room (OR) delays are costly, averaging $37 per minute.
• Consistent OR start times require multidisciplinary cooperation, communication, and efficiency incentives.
• Factors contributing to OR delays include staff tardiness and incomplete pre-operative preparations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a "star system" incentive program on operating room (OR) start time compliance.
• To determine if staff incentives can reduce the frequency and duration of OR delays.
• To identify common causes of OR delays.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a "star system" where OR staff earn stars for on-time starts.
• Awarding a $20 gift card for every 10 stars accumulated by staff.
• Data collection and analysis of OR start times for 3 months pre- and post-implementation.

Main Results:

• On-time OR starts increased significantly from 54% to 71% (P=.047) post-implementation.
• Late starts (6-10 minutes) decreased significantly from 14% to 4% (P<.01).
• Common delays included surgeon (23%) and anesthesiologist (11%) tardiness, and patient lateness (9%).

Conclusions:

• The "star system" significantly improved OR start time compliance.
• Incentive programs can positively influence OR team efficiency and reduce delays.
• Addressing multifactorial causes of delays is crucial for optimizing OR workflow.