The OR Black Box®, a technology inspired by the flight data recorders used in aviation, is now being implemented in healthcare to improve surgical safety and efficiency. UT Southwestern became the second hospital in the U.S. to use the system, which captures comprehensive data during surgeries through cameras, microphones, and patient monitors. This data is analyzed by artificial intelligence and expert reviewers to identify areas for improvement, such as communication, operating room efficiency, and adherence to safety protocols. The findings are shared with surgical teams to facilitate quality improvement discussions. Developed by Surgical Safety Technologies, the system has the potential to significantly reduce medical errors by providing objective, real-time insights into surgical procedures, with UT Southwestern leading the way in adopting this innovative approach to patient safety.

The OR Black Box system records audio, visual, and monitor data from surgeries, which is anonymized and analyzed to enhance performance and reduce complications. The system, which has been used in hospitals in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, has already led to improvements in operating room practices by identifying inefficiencies, such as unnecessary delays and distractions. UT Southwestern’s pilot program, which focuses on minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, will help refine the technology and could eventually lead to widespread adoption in operating rooms across the country. This initiative aims to not only prevent errors but also replicate best practices to improve patient outcomes, with a focus on creating a culture of continuous improvement in surgical care.