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Tracking OR supplies is often problematic. This blog looks at the common issues of OR supply tracking and how new AI vision technology can transform perioperative documentation.  Read how to:

  • The reality of surgical supply documentation in OR.
  • The common issues that prevent smooth OR supply tracking.
  • Leveraging new technology to boost OR supply documentation

It’s time to put a stop to manual workarounds in OR! OR supply tracking is a regular headache, so let’s make it easy!

The reality of surgical supply documentation in OR

During a recent trip to a NY medical center, I observed two surgical procedures. I was impressed by the dedication and skill of the perioperative team and it was a great opportunity to see periop nurses in action, making sure everything ran smoothly.

However, I also witnessed the burden of manual workarounds on busy nurses. There were many times during the surgery that items wouldn’t scan in, or the system displayed an error.

The truth is that many nurses are using inadequate systems that simply can’t cope with the complexity of surgical supply documentation.

Isn’t it time to demand more from point of use systems?

 

Perioperative nurse involved in OR supply tracking into the EHR.
Perioperative nurse involved in OR supply tracking, entering consumed products into the EHR

The common issues that prevent smooth OR supply tracking

It all comes down to data

It’s clear that healthcare providers need more efficient ways to collect and manage inventory data.

Issues I’ve observed in many healthcare organizations:

❌ Numerous Item Master exceptions – due to out of date listings or unlisted items.

❌ Scanned barcodes not being recognized in the system.

❌ Item searches being made more difficult by lack of standardized product names.

❌ Uncertainty about the quantities of some items used, particularly loose, unpackaged items.

❌ New items having to be added to the system manually when they can’t be located, with many preferring to record them in nursing notes.

❌ Elongated processes to document consignment and bill-only items.

❌ Forgotten items, and products that are difficult to document, end up missing from surgery records.

These are just some of the issues that nursing staff have to deal with every day.

It’s just not good enough that surgical supply tracking is so difficult. Nurses deserve a system that routinely and automatically documents each item without the need for any manual workarounds.

 

Product documentation using Snap&Go is a 3 second task using image recognition and AI technology.
Product documentation using Snap&Go is a 3 second task using AI vision technology.

Leveraging new technology to boost OR supply documentation

If it doesn’t work, upgrade it

Consumption data is vital. It feeds into the operational, administrative and clinical workflows that drive through healthcare delivery.

When bad data is in the system, it missteers everyone, compromising care, costs and profits.

It’s time to find a new way to document supply consumption in surgery.

In 2024 you should expect your point of use system to track all types of inventory without the need for any keying in.

Image recognition and AI are transforming point of use supply tracking

Enter AI-vision

The newest method of point of use surgical supply data collection is image recognition technology twinned with AI.

Computer vision:

  • Uses camera technology to convert product packet images into digital data.
  • Has broken free from reliance on the local Item Master by tapping into a product data lake in the cloud.
  • Ensures 100% item and charge capture at the point of use – delivering full, timely surgical documentation with ease.

 

The impact of AI vision technology in OR supply tracking
The impact of AI vision technology in OR supply tracking

 

Looking to optimize your point-of-use supply tracking for more efficient OR management?

Contact us to discuss AI solutions that will simplify your OR workflows and optimize your supply usage data.

 

See Snap&Go‘s OR supply tracking capabilities.  This is AI vision technology in action:

 

FAQ: OR Supply Tracking: Let’s End Manual Workarounds

Image recognition and AI are a powerful combination and transform OR supply tracking. They acheive:

  • Automation: AI-vision can automate the process of capturing supply information, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency.
  • Accuracy: Image recognition technology can ensure accurate identification of supplies, even for new items not preloaded in the system.
  • Data Quality: AI-vision can help improve data quality by reducing the occurrence of missing or incorrect information and ensuring data standardization.
  • Efficiency: By streamlining the supply tracking process, AI-vision can help healthcare providers optimize their workflows and improve patient care.

One of the most significant challenges in OR supply tracking is the data accuracy. This may be due to a reliance on manual processes or ineffective technology.

Manual data entry can be time-consuming and error-prone, while item master exceptions and barcode scanning issues can hinder accurate product identification.

Bad data can lead to errors, inefficiencies, and increased administrative burdens. OR supply tracking challenges can ultimately impact patient care and financial outcomes.

OR supply tracking can significantly impact nurse workload, particularly in busy surgical settings.

Manual processes, such as data entry and item identification, can be time-consuming and divert nurses’ attention from patient care.

Additionally, dealing with item master exceptions, barcode scanning issues, and supply shortages can add to their workload and stress levels.

These challenges can lead to decreased job satisfaction, increased burnout, and potentially compromised patient care.

Utilizing new automated point of use system technology for more streamlined OR supply tracking resolves these issues.

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About the author

Regional Director of IDENTI Medical in the US, with technical background of surgical workflows, knowledge in image-recognition sensors and AI technology products, specialized in the medical industry. Dedicated to delivering innovative and effective technology solutions that enhance patient care, optimize operational efficiency, and drive revenue growth.

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