Events Calendar

Epstein Institute Seminar

Speaker: Franklin Dexter, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Operations Research & Professor, Dept of Anesthesia, University of Iowa

Talk Title: "Value of Small Changes in Operating Room Workflow"

Abstract: Industrial engineers working in hospitals are often asked to help reduce non-operative times in surgical suites. Lean methods are appropriate. However, studies show that this common request by clinicians and managers reflects psychological biases. For example, there are multiple stages of decision-making starting months ahead of the day of surgery. Small reductions in time today can cause large increase in predictive error of future staffing decisions. The talk will explain the unique features of OR management, specifically the sites with largest overall variability have small numbers (2-3) of non-preemptive tasks per day per location.

Biography: Franklin Dexter completed his MD and MS/PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He did his anesthesiology residency at the University of Iowa and remained on faculty. He is Professor in the Department of Anesthesia at the University of Iowa and Statistical Editor of the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia. He has published more than 300 papers in the fields of operating room management and anesthesia. He has performed more than 275 consultations for more than 125 corporations applying the engineering/statistical methods. Details of his background, expertise, etc., are at www.FranklinDexter.net

Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - Room 248

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Georgia Lum