Commentary to “Adapting lean methodology towards surgical tray rationalisation in inguinoscrotal day case surgery in the republic of Ireland”

Abstract

The operating room (OR) is a complex system which requires the coordination and interplay of personnel, policy, and equipment. It is the financial backbone of the hospital system as approximately 40% of a hospital’s cost and 60-70% of the revenue stems from the OR. 1 Healey T. El-Othmani M.M. Healey J. Peterson T.C. Saleh K.J. Improving Operating Room Efficiency, Part 1: General Managerial and Preoperative Strategies. JBJS Rev. Oct 2015; 3https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.RVW.N.00109 Crossref Scopus (26) Google Scholar Therefore, process efficiency and cost effectiveness are key. Modern day health care providers have a vital role to fulfill by balancing costs, quality, and outcomes. Adapting lean methodology towards surgical tray rationalisation in inguinoscrotal day case surgery in the republic of IrelandJournal of Pediatric UrologyPreviewLean methodologies have been used successfully in both industry and healthcare to reduce waste. The operating room (OR) and central supplies department (CSD) are areas associated with high hospital costs. The aim of this study was to employ Lean methodologies to support the rationalisation of surgical trays in paediatric inguinoscrotal surgery in order to reduce instrument wastage, processing times and overall costs in a European setting. Full-Text PDF Response to Letter to the Editor re Adapting Lean methodology towards surgical tray rationalisation in inguinoscrotal day case surgery in the Republic of IrelandJournal of Pediatric UrologyPreviewA generalised chasm exists between a surgeon’s technical prowess and their ability to micromanage a particular service with their ability to operate within the larger hospital environment. This has been brought into sharp focus by global events such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and international economic flux. We are trained to operate at the top of our license with little appreciation of the consequences and impacts that this might have on the fiscal health of the institutions within which we work. Full-Text PDF