Benchmarking, benchmarks, or best practices? Applying quality improvement principles to decrease surgical turnaround time.
BACKGROUND
The processes of benchmarking, benchmark data comparative analysis, and study of best practices are distinctly different. The study of best practices is explained with an example based on the Arthur Andersen & Co. 1992 "Study of Best Practices in Ambulatory Surgery".


METHODS
The results of a national best practices study in ambulatory surgery were used to provide our quality improvement team with the goal of improving the turnaround time between surgical cases. The team used a seven-step quality improvement problem-solving process to improve the surgical turnaround time.


RESULTS
The national benchmark for turnaround times between surgical cases in 1992 was 13.5 minutes. The initial turnaround time at St. Joseph's Medical Center was 19.9 minutes. After the team implemented solutions, the time was reduced to an average of 16.3 minutes, an 18% improvement. Cost-benefit analysis showed a potential enhanced revenue of approximately $300,000, or a potential savings of $10,119.


CONCLUSIONS
Applying quality improvement principles to benchmarking, benchmarks, or best practices can improve process performance. Understanding which form of benchmarking the institution wishes to embark on will help focus a team and use appropriate resources. Communicating with professional organizations that have experience in benchmarking will save time and money and help achieve the desired results.
Mitchell
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St. Joseph's Regional Health System, Stockton, CA, USA.
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002140:California; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008332:Management Quality Circles; D011340:Problem Solving; D012985:Software Design; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration