IT in the OR equals business success

By Patty Enrado, Editor

ORLANDO, Fla. — Implementing information technology in the operating room (OR) is critical to the business success of hospitals, according to Jeffrey Green, MD. In his education session 67, “Implementing an IT-enabled Anesthesia Workstation that Enhances Outcomes,” Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. in Room 224B, Green will present examples of successful business outcomes that were the result of IT implementations.

“IT is a value-based decision with proven benefits,” he said.

As the director of cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Virginia Commonwealth University, Green oversaw the planning and implementation of a perioperative IT system, and will discuss lessons learned from his experiences, including considerations for selecting an IT system and the “ideal” concept for IT in the OR.

As a 24/7 operation with multiple providers in a complex and fast-paced environment, the OR cannot afford IT failures.

IT in the OR can positively impact a hospital’s financial state by capturing revenue and expense data, which enable workflow and process improvements, performance analysis, billing process streamlining and reporting.

Automated documentation compliance and completeness reduces a hospital’s liability, and electronic data capture for documentation frees up clinicians to focus on their patients.

Finally, IT in the OR enables efficiency in workflow by improving communication, reducing redundant paperwork and improving information throughput for the perioperative process.

“The cost of delivering care is up while reimbursement is down, so everything that can be done to improve the bottom line is critically important,” Green said. “My talk is important for anyone considering whether or not to implement IT in the OR, in particular for those who have made the correct decision that it is important to do so for the success of the business enterprise.”