Here are four insights:
1. The approach consists of:
• Sort — determining instrument usage and waste
• Simplify — removing unnecessary instruments
• Sweep — confirm availability of needed instruments
• Standardize — all trays the same for a given procedure
• Self-discipline — monitor success
2. The primary outcome was reduction in unnecessary instruments delivered to the operating room.
3. Researchers also saw a reduction in the number of instruments for minimally invasive spine surgery by 70 percent. Setup time decreased 37 percent.
4. The study also notes that there was a potential institutional annual cost savings of $2.8 million with the Lean 5S approach.
More articles on ASC issues:
The race for ASC efficiency and value: 4 ways to increase throughput and promote quality
4 recent ASC acquisitions & partnerships – Aug. 8, 2015
Tenet joint ventures with Dignity Health & Ascension – 5 points
