Surgeon-Specific Computer to Improve Operating Room Flow: A Controlled Clinical Trial.
Katherine Zhao, Jasmine Park, James Tran et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective controlled clinical trial assessed whether an additional surgeon-dedicated workstation in the operating room improved postoperative documentation in elective and urgent general surgery cases involving residents. Across 182 cases, median time to complete postoperative notes was 7 versus 10 minutes, and postoperative orders 9 versus 14 minutes, favoring rooms with the additional workstation. In adjusted analyses, the workstation was associated with 4.9 minutes shorter note completion and 9.1 minutes shorter order completion. No adverse postoperative events occurred; resident surveys reported improved workflow and patient care.
Key findings
- Median postoperative note completion was 7 versus 10 minutes with the additional workstation (P = 0.02).
- Median postoperative order completion was 9 versus 14 minutes (P < 0.001).
- Adjusted analyses associated the workstation with 4.9 minutes shorter note completion (95% CI 1.4-8.5, P = 0.006) and 9.1 minutes shorter order completion (95% CI 2.7-15.5, P = 0.005).
- No adverse postoperative events occurred, and 100% of surveyed residents agreed the workstation improved workflow and patient care.
Why it matters
Postoperative documentation and order entry are part of the transition from surgery to ongoing care, and delays can interrupt operating room workflow. This trial suggests that providing a workstation within the OR may shorten completion times for both tasks. The findings offer a practical workflow consideration, while the controlled trial design and reported outcomes do not establish broader effects on patient outcomes or efficiency.
What to keep in mind
The trial covered one month and included general surgery cases with resident involvement; the abstract does not report longer-term outcomes or effects on patient outcomes beyond adverse events.