The Productive Operating Theatre

Overview

Initiative type

Redesign

Status

Close

Published

11 August 2017

Summary

The Productive Operating Theatre (TPOT) offers a systematic way of delivering high quality, safe and consistent care to patients. It builds on learnings from best practice within healthcare and other industries and is a program of work that gives frontline staff the practical tools and knowledge they need to transform the operating department across the four key areas of the program.

Key dates

Jul 2015 - Nov 2016

Implementation sites

Queensland Health

Aim

  • Improve patient experience and outcomes
  • Increase safety and reliability of care
  • Increase team performance and staff wellbeing
  • Improve efficiency and add value within the operating room

Outcomes

  • Increased productivity due to improved utilisation of theatre lists, reduced delays within scheduled sessions, less overruns and late starts
  • Financial savings attributed to better management of stock, reduced amounts of stock held and better rotation and ordering practices
  • Increased staff morale and lower sick leave levels
  • Improved patient experience
  • Improved team performance
  • Increased surgical activity

Background

The TPOT is a theatre improvement programme designed by the UK National Health Service. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of TPOT in urology operating theatres and identify obstacles to running an ideal operating list.

Methods

The success of TPOT is attributable to implementation of lean principles, specifically related to clinical service redesign. This involves stakeholders at every step in the process to ensure high level clinical engagement.

Key contact

Lyndell Redpath

Manager

Patient Safety and Quality Unit

Email:  Lyndell.Redpath@health.qld.gov.au