1 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 1 6
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here's a lot to do in and around the OR between cases. In an
effort to improve the efficiency of our room turnovers, and to
bring their monthly average times down, we implemented a
"parallel process" at our director's recommendation. Every surgical
team member was assigned specific, standardized tasks to carry out
simultaneously, based on their availability and location. Even some
staff outside of the OR were recruited to our goal of achieving less-
than-30-minute turnovers.
Think of it this way: You'll get more done in a shorter time if every-
one's working on a piece of the process, than if everyone's waiting for
someone else to finish a job so they can start theirs. In a linear
process, for example, the staff cleaning up the room also have to take
the cart to the decontamination room and pull supplies. In a parallel
Tune Up Your Turnovers With a Parallel Process
• TURNOVER TASKS Everyone should be preparing for the next case at the same time.
Harris
Health
System
Ideas Work
That
