Surgeon-Specific Computer to Improve Operating Room Flow: A Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundDelays in postoperative documentation can disrupt operating room (OR) efficiency and continuity of care. Surgeons frequently leave the OR to access computers, creating workflow interruptions.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether adding an additional surgeon-dedicated workstation within the OR improves postoperative documentation and order completion times. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and resident and attending feedback.MethodsA prospective controlled clinical trial was conducted from July 1-31, 2025, comparing ORs equipped with additional surgeon workstations to control ORs with standard computer complement. Consecutive elective and urgent general surgery cases with resident involvement were included. Median time from procedure end to postoperative note (PN) and postoperative order (PO) completion were compared. Multivariable linear regression identified independent predictors of documentation efficiency. Surveys were distributed anonymously to all residents and attendings assessing workstation usage.ResultsA total of 182 cases were analyzed, 101 (56%) with the experimental additional workstation. Median PN (7 vs 10 minutes, P = 0.02) and PO (9 vs 14 minutes, P < 0.001) completion times were shorter favoring the surgeon-dedicated workstation. On multivariable regression, the workstation independently reduced PN and PO completion times by 4.9 minutes (95% CI 1.4-8.5, P = 0.006) and 9.1 minutes (95% CI 2.7-15.5, P = 0.005), representing 54% and 83% relative improvement, respectively. No adverse postoperative events occurred. Resident surveys indicated 100% agreement that the workstation improved workflow and patient care.ConclusionImplementation of surgeon-dedicated OR workstations significantly reduced postoperative documentation times and improved OR workflow without adverse events. This strategy may represent a cost-effective, scalable intervention to enhance surgical efficiency.