Orthopaedics: How do I Improve Operating Theatre Efficiency?

While the time needed to perform orthopaedic procedures is usually fairly constant, the time spent preparing the operating theatre and the patient who is to undergo the procedure is subject to variability, thus less predictable. It is, therefore, important for clinicians to find ways to optimise their operating theatre resources (people and products), standardise approaches and processes and improve outcomes. Through this blog, we give you tips on:

• How to improve operating theatre turnover time (and general efficiency)
• Solutions that can increase efficiency and value in operating theatres.

A partnership for the future

As with all other areas of care that its portfolio addresses, Medline seeks to provide optimal targeted solutions that complement and enhance the work of clinicians, reduce direct and indirect strains on healthcare facilities, and facilitate the best possible outcomes for everyone involved—especially patients. For this reason, Medline has entered a strategic new partnership with MedEnvision whose mission is to generate efficiency through standardisation in healthcare. The main goal of this partnership is, therefore, to give customers a comprehensive range of optimised solutions that can help increase the efficacy of their orthopaedic activities.

Combined with Medline’s customisable sterile procedure trays (SPTs), MedEnvision’s innovations will help clinicians to elevate their operating theatre resource management by mainstreaming a more sustainable way of carrying out orthopaedic surgery. SPT packs, as a general rule, help reduce set-up time, leaving more time for treating patients and other priority tasks. And with additional draping solutions, for example, it will be even easier to prioritise staff’s efforts and time.

On-point solutions

Our partner, MedEnvision, creates and distributes innovative products that not only help you to improve operating theatre efficiency, but also with staff allocation, ergonomics, and care outcomes for orthopaedic specialists. Below, you will find an example of a solution that, paired with SPTs stock, will help improve orthopaedic healthcare, preparation for procedures and results, as well as their benefits.

Five implications of applying this solution

1. Ease of use

Due to its unique patented design, the EsySuit can be applied in less than 1 minute. Even when operating theatre occupancy is subject to variability, the application of an EsySuit is quick and easy to master.

2. Efficient staff allocation

Compared to traditional draping, the number of actions and staff to carry them out can be reduced to a minimum with the EsySuit. That is, different processes run parallel, creating an optimal operating theatre pulse.

3. Increased ergonomics

The EsySuit is designed in such a way that lifting the patient’s legs for preparation and draping may not be necessary. Therefore, nurses are exposed significantly less to non-ergonomic positioning while applying the EsySuit.

4. Time-saving

Since an incision window and foil* are already integrated in the EsySuit, it is a one-drape solution. This allows for a standardised and reproducible way of draping, which is crucial to achieving an efficient and cost-effective operating theatre.

5. Improved efficiency

The efficient functioning of the operating theatre, without compromising on safety for both patients and personnel, is paramount for every hospital. The EsySuit makes a positive contribution to this goal.

To ensure flexibility in the availability of these solutions, the EsySuit range can be purchased as part of our customised SPT packs. Accessing these items through a Medline custom SPT kit means:

• Less storage space is used
• Time spent gathering items is reduced
• Waste management is improved.

If you would like to place an order or further information on these products or the general topic, please contact a local Medline representative. You can also check out our SPT Virtual Facilities Tour.

*Not applicable to the EsySuit for knees and shoulders