Using data to guide problem solving
Define, measure, and standardize metrics that inform decision making.
Case study
Improving operating room utilization through actionable dashboards
The Perioperative Service Line at MedStar Health recognized an opportunity to standardize performance metrics across nine acute-care hospitals. In partnership with Operating Room (OR) directors and business managers, Performance Improvement helped perioperative stakeholders define metrics that provide greater insight into business challenges.
After monthly analysis of the dashboards, the data revealed opportunities to improve the rate at which ORs are filled by patients. With a baseline of 58 percent utilization, the data uncovered that the hospital ORs had higher capacity than demand. Perioperative Services used the data to inform business decisions, such as improving block scheduling and case posting efficiency. As a result, OR utilization increased to an average of 62.2 percent to date, with a monthly high of 65 percent — just shy of the 70 percent goal.
Communicating results through data
Data visualization
Quickly spot trends so you can turn data insights into action
Predictive analytics
Analyze patterns of current data to make predictions for the future
Statistical analysis
Draw conclusions based on sample sets of data
Simulation
Combine cause and effect models with current data to forecast outcomes