Dr. Sershon, United States: Setting New Standards in OR Efficiency with Data-Driven Improvements
This is the third article in our series on Dr. Robert Sershon, an orthopedic surgeon at Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic. Earlier this year, we discussed how Dr. Sershon used DEO.care’s digital twin to optimize his OR workflow, increasing throughput from nine to ten joint replacements in an eight-hour day. Since then, he has continued refining his processes, leveraging data-driven insights to add one more case, reaching a total of 11 joint replacements in the same time frame. Watch highlights of his webinar describing his journey toward operational excellence here.
A Data-Driven Foundation for Operational Excellence
Dr. Sershon and his team began the improvement process with a DEO.care-led workshop that provided actionable insights into their OR workflow. Using DEO.care’s digital twin technology, the team implemented changes that initially increased throughput by one additional case per day. Motivated by this success, they sought further refinements, ultimately adding two more cases within the same time frame.
Adopting Key Efficiency Principles
Following the DEO.care workshop, Dr. Sershon and his team adopted efficiency principles that have become integral to their routines, driving further improvements in OR throughput.
1. Parallel Processes
One of the workshop’s primary recommendations was the implementation of parallel processes, enabling patient and material preparation to happen simultaneously. Since then, the team has independently applied the principle of parallel processing to other tasks throughout the surgical process, further improving efficiency and reducing overall OR time.
2. Limited Idle Times
DEO.care’s analysis highlighted opportunities to allocate staff more effectively, minimizing idle times during specific stages of the workflow. By focusing on this principle, the team became more aware of idle moments and actively worked to eliminate them.
3. Strengthened Communication
The workshop identified key trigger points based on Dr. Sershon’s typical case timings to ensure smooth coordination with pre-op and between ORs. Now, the team consistently maintains this communication rhythm, proactively flagging any anomalies that could disrupt the flow, and quickly resolving issues.
4. Refined Techniques
DEO.care emphasized the importance of consistency in workflow to minimize impact on the overall day. Building on this, Dr. Sershon and his team refined techniques to further enhance efficiency, resulting in improved anesthesia, patient positioning, and closure times. These team-led innovations have streamlined the OR process, reducing time per procedure while maintaining high standards of care.
These principles, brought to the forefront through DEO.care’s data and insights, have evolved into the backbone of the team’s approach to efficiency, empowering them to maintain and build upon these improvements.
Dr. Sershon’s journey demonstrates the power of combining data-driven insights with a team culture that values efficiency and continuous improvement. As the team continues to refine their processes, they remain committed to balancing efficiency with the highest standards of patient care. Dr. Sershon’s work at Harborside Surgery Center not only meets the demands of growing patient volume but also serves as a model of innovation and excellence in surgical practice.
