Improving the Operating Room

Creating more efficient, cost-effective, and technologically advanced operating rooms (ORs) for medical centers around the world is one of the roles of the Endoscopy Division of Smith & Nephew (Andover, MA).

The integration and optimization of technology within the surgical environment is designed to help improve efficiency by reducing both operating and turnaround time while increasing surgeon control of the operating room equipment and overall operative environment. Since Smith & Nephew Endoscopy began offering the Digital OR concept several years ago, new needs and concerns have arisen that are creating a surge in demand.

"Overall health costs continue to climb, and hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are looking for ways to reduce the hourly costs of surgical procedures,” said Sal Chiovari, vice president for information services and Digital OR for Smith & Nephew. "The digital networking capabilities of the Digital OR enable surgeons to access whatever patient information they need at the touch of a button, reducing time needed to retrieve that data from outside the operating room and providing them with a comprehensive view of a patient's condition.”

In addition, new endoscopic technologies and the OR's structure, with critical components suspended from the ceiling instead of resting on the floor, facilitate faster cleanup and OR turnaround, enabling many medical centers to treat more patients in the course of a day. Recently, Smith & Nephew equipped two operating suites with audiovisual connections that provide worldwide teleconferencing and education capabilities.

One significant advantage, according to Mr. Chiovari, is that every single Smith & Nephew Digital OR is custom-designed. "Where competitors just sell products, Smith & Nephew sells Digital OR system solutions to fit the requirements of each particular project and each set of hospital needs--whether it be arthroscopic, cardiac, or any type of surgery.”




Related Links:
Smith & Nephew