Lean Six Sigma Quality Project to Improve the Turnover Time in the Operating Room for Orthopedic Total Joint Surgeries

This project aimed to reduce the OR turnover time for total joint cases. Baseline data showed it took 36 minutes with a standard deviation of 20 minutes to turnover a room from incision close to incision open of the next case. Although multiple improvements were identified, the project team elected to focus on the communication process between the circulator nurse and the charge nurse. The circulator notifies the charge nurse to begin OR preparations for the next case (including room and patient). The charge nurse acts as the coordinator to insure all requirements are met for the next procedure. With this improvement, the average turnaround time improved to 31 minutes with a standard deviation of 14.5 minutes, a 15 percent improvement.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)