title: Perioperative workflow: barriers to efficiency, risks, and satisfaction.
abstract: An in-depth, interdisciplinary case study was conducted to map and describe the information, material, and functional processes common to high-volume surgical specialty procedures at a southeastern US hospital. Researchers identified process defects and their effects using both observation and staff member interviews. Outdated information and structural barriers to communications were responsible for many procedural delays, procedural interruptions, and staff member work-arounds. Opportunities for improvement are identified, including redesigns and enhancement of information technology systems.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Services, Bon Secours, St Francis Health System, Greenvill, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: Lawrence D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Fredendall
authors.forename: Uzay
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Damali
mesh_terms: D003144:Communication Barriers; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D019370:Observation; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D015144:Southeastern United States; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis