The Myths
Dispelling Current Myths Regarding OR Space Usage
Do your ORs
feel like they are
shrinking?
feel like they are
shrinking?
Myth # 1
Larger ORs create more working space.
- Reality – A larger OR does not remedy congestion and human factors deficiencies at the surgical table and the surrounding equipment periphery. The area of the OR where the core activities occur is not enlarged when the periphery of the room is enlarged. Often the OR staff are disillusioned when the promise of a larger OR footprint does not translate to additional working space! In fact, a recent survey indicates that 42% of customers who now work in renovated OR’s express dissatisfaction with the outcome. (Outpatient Surgery, March 2005)
Myth # 2
Ceiling mounted equipment shelves increase usable circulation space in the OR.
- Reality – You do not increase usable circulation space simply by suspending equipment from the ceiling. Suspended equipment shelves create barriers at working level just like rolling carts they replace, and may actually consume more airspace in the red zone than a single MIS equipment cart. Consolidating equipment into a central location can increase safety, simplicity, and on-time starts by removing cabling from the surgical sterile field and procedure equipment areas.
Myth # 3
Planning and implementing significant working space improvements in an OR takes months of time.
- Reality – Improving working space does not require extensive renovation. Ceiling mounted booms are invasive and require extensive architectural and collaborative team reviews because their mounting position is arbitrary and delivery range is limited. However, there is an alternative solution not requiring extensive architectural reviews and disruptive remodeling.
Myth # 4
It is cheaper to build new than to remodel the old OR to increase safety, circulation space and ergonomics.
- Reality – Given that demolition and remodeling of an OR may cost $300-$500 /sq. ft., plus the cost of disruption, many hospitals in the past found new construction was a better business decision. However, now there is an alternative that does not require demolition, remodeling, construction, or costly planning hours.
Myth # 5
To improve surgeon ergonomics, separation of the video monitor from the camera and light source requires monitor arms suspended from the ceiling.
- Reality – Video monitor placement over the OR table to improve surgeon ergonomics may be the clinically preferred approach, however, the architectural ceiling implementation is a costly solution. Ceiling mounted overhead boom systems are no longer needed to separate video displays and camera/lightsource and improve ergonomics. Comfortable viewing angles and free citculation inside/between the sterile field, equipment area and ciriculation area are now available without costly ceiling mounted systems.
