Effects of Different Communication Tools on the Efficiency of Anesthesiologists in the Perioperative Setting

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess if Real Time Locating Systems (RTLS) technology has an effect on the perioperative efficiency of anesthesiologists at our institution.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for all outpatient and short-stay patients who received general anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care between January and June of 2016. Patients over 18 years with an ASA classification of 1, 2, and 3 were included. Time was used as a measure of efficiency between two groups of anesthesiologists.These two comparison groups were as follows: Group 1: Anesthesiologists at the academic center’s main campus who do not have access to RTLSGroup 2: Anesthesiologists at Josie Robertson Ambulatory Surgical Center where RTLS is available and use of RTLS is compulsoryTwo outcome measures were collected from patient electronic records: DUR1: Duration between when patient is admitted to a presurgical bed and preoperative evaluation by the attending anesthesiologistDUR2: Duration between when patient is admitted to the operating room and initiation of induction by the attending anesthesiologist.ResultsAnesthesiologists who had access to RTLS technology were found to be more efficient in completing their preoperative anesthesia evaluation and initiating intraoperative induction. They took less time to complete these tasks and the difference was statistically significant to p<0.0001ConclusionAnesthesiologists at our institution, who have access to RTLS as an additional communication tool, were found to be consistently more efficient in their perioperative workflow. There are confounding factors that can account for the shorter times and more efficient perioperative workflow of anesthesiologists. With continued application and investigation over time, the utility of RTLS on workflow efficiency of healthcare providers will become more apparent.

Real-Time Locating Systems and the Effects on Efficiency of Anesthesiologists

“…In our initial study, we investigated two time points during the anesthesiologist's workflow to determine if any difference exists in efficiency between those who have access to RTLS (JRSC) and those who do not (Main Campus). We found that anesthesiologists who utilize RTLS were consistently faster, and hence more efficient in their perioperative workflow [12]. While our results were statistically significant, there were confounding factors which could have accounted for the difference in perioperative efficiency.…”

“…There are several time points in the perioperative period that involve anesthesiologists, where improved efficiency may translate to a decrease in operating room time and reduced healthcare costs. Our previous study concluded that anesthesiologists at our institution with access to RTLS were significantly more efficient in completing their preoperative anesthesia evaluation (p < 0.0001) than those without access to RTLS [12]. This follow-up study attempts to eliminate variability and focuses on the time difference between when a patient enters the OR to the time of induction for only the first cases of the day between anesthesiologists without (Group 1) and with RTLS (Group 2).…”

“…These results are consistent with findings from our initial study. Anesthesiologists with access to RTLS were found to be more efficient in their preoperative patient evaluation and time to anesthesia induction [12]. Access to RTLS may decrease time to induction and improve efficiency in the following ways:…”

Automated notifications improve time to anesthesia induction: Integrating health information technology systems to enhance perioperative efficiency

“…In our prior studies, we demonstrated that anesthesiologists at our institution with access to RTLS were significantly more efficient in their perioperative workflow ( p <0.0001) than those without access to RTLS[12,13]. While recognizing several confounding factors, we concluded that access to RTLS improves perioperative efficiency of anesthesiologists in two ways: It provides OR staff the ability to track the location of an entire OR team, including the patient, in real-time, which may allow for a more efficient process in deeming an OR “ready”.The awareness that one is being tracked and monitored may motivate all OR staff, including anesthesiologists, to be readily available once the OR is deemed “ready”[14].…”

Improving Care Delivery: Location Timestamps to Enhance Process Measurement of a Clinical Workflow

“…Healthcare settings have experimented with using RTLS in various capacities, from tracking clinician locations to finding patients as they proceed through different locations for their care. [7][8][9] However, best practices for the most effective and efficient use of RTLS capabilities for clinical workflow have yet to be defined. 10 Nevertheless, this technology can help pinpoint key areas where clinical improvements can be most effective.…”