Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung SL (1), Tsang TL (1), Li KC (1), Ip LH (1), Sin MW (1), Choi WK (1), Lo YC (1), Ma LF (1), Fung CK (1), Lo WC (1), Szeto L (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Anaesthesia & Operating Theatre Services, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
Communication is an indispensable and essential component throughout the whole perioperative journey. An enhanced communication smart system - Operating Theatre Control Centre(OTCC) was first developed and implemented in the Department of Anaesthesiology and Operating Theatre Services(A&OT) in Tseung Kwan O Hospital(TKOH) in 2022. It enables point-to-multipoint communication instead of point-to-point phone calls for daily operation. Meanwhile, the OTCC allows constant and real-time interchange of clinical information and operational status among the perioperative units, including Ambulatory Surgery Services(ASS) Units, Operating Theatre(OT) nurse station, Operating Rooms(OR), Postanaesthesia Care Unit(PACU) and Integrated Disinfection & Sterilization Unit.
Objectives :
The objective of the project is to centralize monitoring, control and command for daily operations by reducing phone calls and shortening communication time.
Methodology :
An OTCC task force was set up in 2022. The task force members worked closely with vendor to develop the system. A concise and structural dashboard was designed to facilitate the communication within the department. Training sessions were provided to over 90% of nursing staff. During the 6-month trial period, the team continue working with the vendor closely and OTCC was launched formally in Tseung Kwan O Hospital in January 2023.
Result & Outcome :
From August 2022 to January 2023, there were 840 operations tried out the system during the pilot phase. Daily reviews were performed by task force members. 5580 phone calls for daily operation are reduced by OTCC, equivalent to 80% reduction of telephone load achieved. In addition, when compared with point-to-point phone calls, OTCC system saved up 78% of the time in routine premedication workflow and 70% of the time in postoperative workflow. Evaluations showed that 95% of staff agreed that OTCC was useful for providing real-time progress of perioperative journeys. 85% of staff agreed that it was able to centralize monitoring, control and command of daily operation within the department. 90% of staff were satisfied with the point-to-multipoint system since it shortened communication time. The OTCC is a useful and effective communication system for perioperative information sharing. In the way forward, the scope of service can be extended to the perioperative workflow in the Ambulatory Care Block. Moreover, Surgeons and Anaesthetists can access the system and view the operation progress. In view of the increasing demand and diversity of perioperative service, OTCC is necessary to standardize work practice and improve coordination within the department.
