Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/583494
46 Quality & Accreditation 3. Remember: Communication is a cornerstone. Communication between the departments is an important and effective method for improv- ing OR efficiency. All departments, from the front desk to preop to postop must coordinate with each other to preempt potential problems and tackle new ones, says Ms. Martin. For example, the front desk should let the preop department know if a patient isn't on-time or is not coming, and the preop department can then pass the information to other departments. 4. Work closely with the anesthesia department. Keep the anes- thesia department in the loop to make the OR ultra-efficient. "If they are on board and helping with every case, it makes the cases more quick and more smooth," Ms. Martin says. "For example, in our facility if the nurse has trouble getting an IV started they immediately reach out to the anesthesia department who can address the issue quickly. is also leads to an improved patient experience." 5. Look to the data. Data helps administrators understand inefficiency in the OR and how to solve it. Utilize your computer soware to the max. At Flagler Surgery Center, SourceMedical's AdvantX soware is used to run reports which are reviewed daily, weekly and monthly. When issues come up at the ASC, Ms. Martin and her team look into the statistics. If the OR department feels as though the patient isn't being prepped properly, the administration team looks into data to determine what the issue may be. "We identify the issues and then implement the change that will improve workflow," she says. 6. Involve staff members. e answer to OR efficiency lies largely with the ASC staff itself. Ms. Martin involves her staff in decisions regarding OR operations as oen as possible. One idea staff members at Flagler Surgery Center came up with was putting up a big white board in pre-op to com- municate status of pre-op patients with the OR, such as what time they were scheduled for surgery, if they have any prior health issues, etc. e white board helped all departments better prepare for each day's procedures and make sure things run smoothly. "Talking and working through the issues helps everyone in the ASC find a happy medium," says Ms. Martin. "Everyone wants to be more efficient, so we align our goals to make that happen." n He's a Spenditt™ - monsters of inefficiency that hide savings opportunities and limit best pricing for the high quality supplies and services you need. Having one of the largest non-acute group purchasing organizations in the country by your side means greater control over your purchasing power. Keep your surgery center Spenditt free. 877.777.1552 | premierinc.com/continuum-care Meet SAVINGS THIEF FUNCTION FUNCTION DON'T FACE HIM ALONE PUR069-15_ASC Focus Spenditts Advertisement.indd 1 9/11/15 1:42 PM SAVE THE DATE For more information, visit www.beckersspine.com or call (800) 417-2035. June 9-11, 2016 Swissôtel - Chicago, Illinois Becker's 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine Don't miss 124 Physician Speakers and 117 Sessions Keynote Speakers: Lou Holtz & Tucker Carlson