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A Novel Think Tank Program to Promote Innovation and Strategic Planning in Ophthalmic Surgery.
Yixin Yu1,2, K Thiran Jayasundera1, Jonathan Servoss3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Perioperative Care and Operating Room Management
|March 29, 2021
Summary
The innovative Think Tank Program significantly improved operating room (OR) utilization and reduced surgical cancellations in an academic ophthalmology department. This quality improvement initiative enhanced patient care and financial performance.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Healthcare Management
- Surgical Quality Improvement
Background:
- Continuous quality improvement is essential for surgical groups.
- Traditional staff retreats have limitations in fostering innovation.
- An academic ophthalmology department developed the Think Tank Program to address these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To spur innovation and strategic planning within an academic ophthalmology department.
- To identify and implement meaningful changes in clinical care, research, education, and administration.
- To improve operating room utilization and reduce surgical cancellations.
Main Methods:
- A structured seven-phase Think Tank Program was implemented for faculty teams.
- Participants brainstormed problems, developed solutions, acquired data, and implemented changes.
- The program focused on innovation, data analysis, and accountability.
Main Results:
- The program generated 19 novel proposals and high faculty engagement.
- Operating room utilization increased from 63.8% to 74.6% over three months.
- Surgical cancellations decreased from 29.8% to 15.2%, yielding over $141,000 in financial margin.
Conclusions:
- Engaged faculty, data analysis, and accountability drive significant improvements in OR utilization and surgical scheduling.
- The Think Tank Program serves as a transformative model for healthcare institutions.
- This program enhances member engagement and retention while fulfilling institutional missions.
