Publication Date
Fall 2024
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Denise Dawkins
Second Advisor
Lisa Walker-Vischer
Third Advisor
Kathryn L. McLaughlin
Keywords
quality improvement project
Abstract
The project aimed to improve first-case on-time starts (FCOTS) for surgical procedures in an acute care hospital by addressing surgeon tardiness, the main contributor to delays. Current policies lacked accountability measures and incentives, leading to routine late arrivals by physicians, with anesthesiology teams also refusing early starts. To address this, the operating room start time was adjusted from 7:30 to 8:00 AM, and physicians were notified of upcoming cases and documentation requirements the evening before surgery. Performance data was shared with surgeons, and those meeting a minimum FCOTS improvement rate were granted priority scheduling. Weekly data reviews, monthly department meetings, and quarterly quality improvement assessments were used to monitor progress. This quasi-experimental study emphasized the importance of accountability and incentives in changing physician behavior to enhance surgical efficiency, improve patient and staff satisfaction, and reduce costs associated with delays.
Recommended Citation
Diaz, Ozell E., "Operating Room First Case On-Time Start Improvement Through Physician Behavioral Modification Aimed at Physician Arrival Times" (2024). Doctoral Projects. 172.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.4x4u-7udq
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/172
