SAFETY CULTURE
Implementation of an Innovative Technology Called the OR Black Box
Published on
August 16, 2022
Surgical Innovation
Overview
This observational study, conducted at Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet in Denmark from May 2017 to May 2021, assessed the feasibility of implementing the OR Black Box®. The study involved 152 OR staff members and 306 patients, evaluating the implementation process using Bowen's framework across eight focus areas.
The results demonstrated high acceptability of the OR Black Box among stakeholders. The implementation process improved over time, with an average of 80% of surgeries being captured. While practical aspects such as meetings, ethical and legal approvals, and patient recruitment were time-consuming, they were deemed acceptable. The technology was successfully adopted without disrupting the scheduled surgery program, though some adjustments were made to capture hours and staff allocation.
The researchers concluded that while implementing the OR Black Box was feasible, it presented challenges. They emphasized the importance of ongoing evaluation, information meetings, and stakeholder commitment to sustain momentum and continue implementation. The study's findings provide valuable insights for implementing similar initiatives in other healthcare settings.
Results
The OR Black Box had a high level of acceptability among stakeholders with 100% participation from management, 93% from OR staff, and 98% from patients. The implementation process improved over time, and an average of 80% of the surgeries conducted were captured. The practical aspects such as numerous formal and informal meetings, ethical and legal approval, recruitment of patients were acceptable, albeit time-consuming. The OR Black Box was adopted without any changes in scheduled surgery program, but capturing hours were adjusted to match the surgery program and relocation of OR staff declining to provide consent was possible.
