Our timeline for launch of the Peri-Op Optimization project was significantly delayed by Covid-19. Since the elective surgery embargo was lifted, we have been preparing for the ASU/MOR merge. We are now ready and plan to implement these operational changes on October 19, 2020. Please read below carefully:

Goals of the planned changes:

• Increase OR/PACU capacity
• Reduce the amount of PACU closures
• Improve throughput
• Reduce un-necessary patient/family travel
• Develop uniform skill sets/competencies for Surgery & PACU staff
• Enhance the patient and family experience

The new workflow changes involve:

• All surgery patients will be checking in at the 3^rd floor surgery registration desk. This area will be staffed up to decrease potential bottlenecks.
• An updated surgery brochure is ready to go with new maps to reflect check in point changes and phone numbers as well as a number of other updates.
• STAR Clinic piloting self-check in kiosks for pre-registered patients.
• Patients will be prepped for surgery on the same floor as the OR suite in which they will have surgery. In turn, they will be recovered in the Phase I PACU on the same floor. This will significantly decrease elevator rides to transfer patients to the ORs and to PACU and minimize delays related to elevator backups in the morning.
• Pediatric surgeries will happen on the 3rd floor. Eye cases will remain primarily on the 2^nd floor as they are today.
• Expanded use of 2^nd floor A/D and PACU space. Ideally, our OR to PACU ratio should be 1:2 or greater depending on metrics utilized, so this moves us closer to that ratio. For example, if 11-12 ORs are running, which is common, in theory, we should have 22-24 PACU bays. We are closer to a 1:1 ratio, with 3^rd floor having 12 PACU bays plus an isolation room. This sets us up for throughput issues even when fully staffed.
• Phase II discharge for outpatients primarily happening on 3^rd floor, with a few exceptions. This change requires moving patients from 2^nd to 3^rd floor at a less acute time in their recovery.
• Planned closure of 2^nd floor PACU when overall patient volume decreases mid-day to ensure most efficient use of resources as well as ensure optimized, safe staffing of Peri-anesthesia areas.

We are excited about these changes but realize they will not solve every problem. Hospital beds remain tight- meaning there may not be an IP bed immediately ready for the patient when PACU care is complete. However, having more PACU bays and more PACU staff available during peak times of the day will greatly help.

Thank you for your support and patience as we work to refine our processes after go live. The teams have provided many good ideas, which we are incorporating as much as possible. Please reach out to us with your questions via e-mail or phone: Wendy La Cava x5964, Stephanie Lilje x5756 and John Wagner x5673.