Continued Barriers to Operational and Financial Performance in Surgical Services

Session
Surgical Services

Author
Dana Koester
Internal Consultant
MedStar Health

Description
In spite of dozens of years of systems implementation experience and project management expertise for operational and financial improvements, why is it that OR performance outcomes are still set up to fail?

Abstract
This presentation examines the operational barriers in Surgical Services that impact clinical effectiveness and financial stability. Operational barriers are defined as processes surrounding Operating Room scheduling, Pre-Admission Testing process, patient throughout, nursing documentation, supply management, implant management, billing processes, systems implementation, data capture and analysis, reporting, change management, and sustainability. Examples and lesson's learned of how these processes affect operational and financial impact will be provided. Key areas of focus for reaching oeprational excellence are scheduling (to financially clear the patient), pre-admission testing (to medically clear the patient), change management and information technology. Additional financial impact will be discussed regarding billing and inventory processes. Surgical Services excellence can be obtained through decision making using real time data capture and reports with integrity. Recommendations will include project plans, literature support, and benchmarking suggestions to support operational goals. The end result will be operational excellence and financial stability, which will ultimately impact clinical effectiveness and a revenue generating department.