Measuring operating room quality performance attributes

The objective of the research was to identify the important attributes of customer satisfaction found in the operating room of Gamma Hospital, and to compare these attributes to actual performance in practice. In this manner, positive attribute performance can be identified and reinforced. Similarly, negative attribute performance can be addressed and improved. A convenience sample of 40 surgeons participated in the survey. Ten of the surgical staff did not respond to the survey. The operating room department was the unit of analysis. Participating surgeons in Gamma's operating room included thoracic, abdominal, gynecological, and cosmetic specialities. Therefore, good variation in terms of types and nature of tasks resulted from this convenience sample. One or more surgeons from each of the specialities was surveyed. Survey research methodology is emphasized in order to examine how quality performance attributes could be improved. A mail survey was used to collect information. The research focused on the determinants of operating room quality, and conceptualized as well as developed the quality variables. These variables were operationalized into an instrument. Descriptive statistics were used to measure the differences between perceived important attributes and the actual performance of the attributes in the operating room. The results of a two tailed t-test indicated that there was a significant difference between the perceived important attributes of quality performance in the operating room and the actual performance of these attributes. A significant difference was found between the perceived importance of communication with the surgical staff and its actual performance. Likewise, small groups providing services, preparing the patient for surgery, ability to add on cases, scheduling cases, good relationships with the patients, timely starts, short turnover times, and stability and comfort of the patient, were perceived as important attributes of operating room practices which were not perceived by the surgeons as being adequately performed by the operating room.