Transforming operating rooms: factors for successful implementations of new medical equipment

Operating Rooms (OR’s) are complex, high tech environments with extensive use of medical equipment and information technology. The implementation of new medical equipment with the aim to increase safety, improve patient outcomes or to improve efficiency may initially cause disruptions in the OR, which influence its success. Between and within hospitals the implementation of medical equipment varies and a generic implementation model omits. The aim of this study is to identify factors for successful implementations according to surgical supportive staff. Results are compared with findings from other published studies. In total 90 out of 235 surveys were returned (38%). Respondents, scrub nurses and circulating nurses, indicate that implementation and integration of new medical equipment in current activities and ICT systems remain a challenge. In this study we identified the following factors: a coherent and holistic implementation approach; integration of medical equipment in processes, systems and organization; knowledge and skill development and effective communication during the implementation process.