Study: Improved OR design reduces surgery time, enhances efficiency

Editor's Note

Better-designed ORs can lead to shorter orthopedic surgery times and fewer disruptions, according to a recent study in Health Environments Research & Design. 

Conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas, the study observed 70 unilateral total knee and hip replacement surgeries in two differently designed ORs at a Midwestern community hospital, according to a September 18 university press release. Findings indicate that surgeries performed in the larger OR—which offered ergonomic advantages such as increased clearance around the operating table, a sidewall door, and strategically placed workstations—were shorter by 5-6 minutes per case.

In addition to shorter procedures, researchers attribute the overall time savings to fewer interruptions from incidents such as collisions between personnel and equipment. They add that control for variables, such as the type of procedure and the speed of the surgeon, adds credence to findings about the role of OR design in surgical efficiency. Benefits of shorter surgeries for patients and providers alike include reduced infection risk, improved recovery times, staffing time savings, and fewer delays or cancellations.