What’s inside:
Utilizing the latest operating room technology enables smarter clinical and operational management – but lack of space and other practical issues can hinder tech advancements.
This blog looks at the practical implications of introducing new technology into operating rooms (OR) and procedural areas, covering:
- Crowded Operating Rooms
- Integration with OR workflows and hospital systems
- User-centric system design
The surgical suite is the heart of any hospital, a place where critical procedures are performed daily. There’s a real need for “practical technology” that’s not only smart but is developed with a full understanding of how surgical spaces work. Successful integration of any system into the operating room requires solutions that address real-world limitations.
Let’s look at some of these enablers for operating room technology:
1. The OR Space challenge
The first objection we often hear when talking about an OR tech solution is the lack of space. We hear about:
- Limited floor space: ORs are often jam-packed with vital equipment, cabinets, monitors, and workstations. Finding room for additional technology can seem impossible.
- Wall-to-wall clutter: Inventory shelves, cabinets, and wall-mounted fixtures further restrict available space. New tech needs to integrate seamlessly without adding to the clutter.
- The “footprint problem”: Large, bulky equipment compromizes valuable floor space and any new tech cannot impact movement and workflow within the OR.
So how can tech developers respond to these issues?
Practical Solutions for Crowded ORs
Creative solutions to the operating room space squeeze include:
- Keeping the device dimensions to a minimum
- Designing space-saving wall-mounted shelving
- Replacing old tech or non-digital hardware with solutions that fit into the existing space
- Siting the new tool alongside existing technology, for example at the current reporting station – so that no new space needs to be created.
Sympathetically designed, space-saving devices can be easily introduced into crowded surgical spaces.
2. OR workflow and system integration
New supply tracking technology doesn’t just need to fit into the room, it also needs to integrate into existing workflows. This is crucial for a successful implementation and ease of adoption.
Here’s our approach:
- Identify pain points: During the planning stage, involve surgical teams to identify workflow bottlenecks. New technology should address these specific challenges.
- Minimize disruption: Focus on solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. Complex systems requiring extensive training will likely face resistance from busy staff.
- Streamline data flow: Choose technology that integrates with existing hospital systems, eliminating data silos and ensuring smooth information flow.
The impact of Operating Room technology on surgical workflow can be liberating for perioperative nurses. A well-thought-out solution that takes account of the existing way of working and can have a dual impact – enhancing perioperative workflows, as well as generating vital management data.
3. Operating Room technology needs user-Centric Design
However great your system outputs are, if it isn’t simple to use, it’s an uphill battle to achieve nurse compliance. Busy nurses don’t want complicated systems that involve a lot of training and take time to master.
- Simplicity is key: Surgical staff are under immense pressure. New technology should be intuitive and user-friendly to minimize training, adoption hurdles, and operating room documentation time.
- Focus on the user experience: Use staff feedback for ongoing product development, ensuring new features cater to their specific needs and preferences.
- Prioritize training and support: Provide adequate training and ongoing support to ensure staff feel confident using the new technology effectively.
User-centric design is the key to ensuring operating room technology is intuitive to use.
The Benefits of Practical Tech in the OR
There’s so much choice when it comes to new technology, but getting the practicalities right ensures the easy adoption of the latest advancements in operating room technology and procedure room automation, leading to optimized efficiency and patient care.
IDENTI Medical is the leader in AI powered healthcare inventory management solutions. Our ethos is to provide sophisticated inventory management solutions that are easy to implement.
Arrange a 1-1 chat with one of our knowledgeable healthcare consultants to discuss the benefits of implementing new operating room technology for smarter supply chain management.