Novel Software Optimizes OR Resources

A new software tool promises to streamline the operating room (OR) planning process, allowing optimal use of all OR resources, including clinical staff, equipment, and supplies.

The software, called MV scheduling, was developed by iMDsoft (Needham, MA, USA; www.imdsoft.com) and will be added to the company's MetaVision suite, a family of advanced software applications for the critical care arena. MV scheduling will be presented at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting in San Diego (CA, USA) in February 2006.

MV scheduling claims to substantially increase hospital capacity to manage critical OR resources. This, in turn, improves satisfaction levels of both patients and staff by increasing efficiency and improving communication. Additionally, the integration of information allows managers to create customized reports, allowing prompt and detailed analysis of the cost implications of various scheduling strategies.

The system makes use of a graphic color-coded progress indicator, which makes rescheduling simple and intuitive. The indicator can also be used to modify schedules and reallocate staff or supplies to accommodate cancellations and last-minute changes. In addition to handling OR information, the system also allows tracking through the perioperative process and into recovery. It can even be used to send messages directly to families in the waiting room.

The module's open architecture allows complete integration with MVOR, iMDsoft's anesthesia information management system, and with other hospital information systems.

"A significant percentage of hospital revenue is generated in the operating room, which is also typically one of a hospital's largest cost centers,” said iMDsoft's CEO and founder Phyllis Gotlib. "Better utilization of OR physical space, staff, equipment, and supplies can have a dramatic impact on hospital financials.”




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