Complexity and Chaos in Surgical Start Times

• Main Author: Dennis J. Baumgardner
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Aurora Health Care 2016-08-01
• Series: Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews
• Subjects: organizational; quality improvement; time factors; nonlinear dynamics; organizational efficiency; quality improvement; time factors; nonlinear dynamics
• Online Access: http://digitalrepository.aurorahealthcare.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1361&context=jpcrr

In discussing an article investigating the causes for delay of first-case operating room start times included in this issue of the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, the editor uses elements of complexity science and chaos theory to explain that such stubborn problems rarely stem from one of a few isolated causes. Taking a whole systems approach that utilizes flexibility, cross training, enhanced communication, common sense and perhaps mathematical models is suggested to effect positive change.