Rationalization
Collecting usage data on targeted cases within our product is the first step in collecting required empirical data to enable change.
Data collection is done during the case using the OpFlow platform. This step is typically done during the “Close” portion of the case. OpFlow’s product has all trays that are pulled for the case listed and enables counting of just the used instruments. This process typically takes less than 90 seconds and does not affect case duration.
Data from all cases within specific service lines that use the trays are analyzed in OpFlow’s predictive modeling tool to identify optimized tray configurations by using the site-specific usage data, OpFlow benchmarks, and service line feedback on tray definition.
Proposed tray definitions are run during cases to validate that the “removed” instruments are not needed. Changes and instrument level comments by case are collected for use during review and approvals.
All trays within the service line that we are optimizing are reviewed to ensure an optimized service line and not just a single tray.
Review and approvals are run by OpFlow’s rationalization team including our surgeons to obtain all required sign-offs.
Consolidation
Data that is collected during the rationalization counts and validations allows for consolidation to occur. By reducing the size of trays the opportunity to consolidate means fewer trays per case.
Consolidation also identifies trays of similar configurations that are used by service line such as “Surgeon Named Trays” or “Specials”. Consolidating those trays into a standard tray definition is much more efficient for the hospital.
OpFlow’s analytics and modeling tool identifies overlapping trays by pullinng all preference cards and which trays are used, and produces recomendations for trays that can be consolidated.
Consolidation does not require in room validation, but does require service line sign-offs.
Instance reduction
Instances of the same tray type , or sets, is the total number of exact copies of the same tray type that exists in inventory. OpFlow’s engine uses the sterilization data from tools like SPM or Censitrac to determine the number of times per year each tray is sterilized.
OpFlow’s algorithm analyzes the number of times each tray is processed, which is aligned to surgical volume, and the amount of time it takes to process and transport trays to provide a recommended instance count by tray type.