Using Broken Windows Theory to Examine Flow Disruptions in Surgical Care: A Multispecialty Comparison

Minimally invasive innovations enhance procedural technology. However, healthcare quality demands addressing mental and physical workloads. This study analyzes flow disruptions uncovering specialty-specific patterns and systemic weaknesses, to enhance quality, processes, and patient safety.

Twenty-five cardiovascular, 40 orthopedic, 65 trauma care, and 30 neurosurgical cases were examined. The data were categorized using human factor taxonomy, and descriptive statistics were applied.

Comparing the four specialties using RIPCORD TWA taxonomy, cardiovascular and trauma care were translated into one disruption every 2.2 minutes, followed by neurosurgery with one disruption every 2.7 minutes and orthopedics with one disruption every 3.7 minutes. Interruptions were the highest percentage for cardiovascular and orthopedics, with 54% and 46% of flow disruptions. Trauma care was heavily affected by communication flow disruption with 33%. Layout and coordination issues accumulate 26% of flow disruptions in neurosurgery.

Cardiovascular, orthopedics, trauma care, and neurosurgery each feature distinct workflows, risks, and teamwork dynamics, demanding tailored process improvements. By analyzing flow disruptions and systemic weaknesses, this study highlights patterns unique to each specialty, advocating for tailored interventions to enhance communication, coordination, layout optimization, and equipment usability for improved surgical safety and quality.