Overview:
A West Coast academic medical institution faced an unexpected challenge when a new laser technology, the NeuroBlate MRI laser system, arrived for less invasive brain surgery procedures. The academic medical institution had to coordinate the quick installation of the system with various teams, including radiology and surgery.
Despite no prior planning and the urgency of the situation, the laser system was installed in just 13.5 hours. This remarkable technology significantly reduced patient inpatient stays from two weeks to just two days. The installation and collaboration led to key lessons learned about communication and operational flexibility, which are now informing future practices and creating better patient outcomes.
Key Achievements:
- Speed and Efficiency: To minimize patient disruption, HDM PM and the NeuroBlate team installed the system in 13.5 hours on a Saturday with minimal OR support. Successful testing led to release to the MR team. This implementation reduced inpatient stays from 14 to 2 days, significantly improving patient care.
- Agility in Crisis: The academic medical institution’s tight-window NeuroBlate MRI laser technology installation was successful due to a pre-existing comprehensive Installation Workflow developed with Clinical Technologies Imaging and HDM. This standard process coordinates multiple departments, including IT-PACS, Shipping, Stakeholders, Radiology Management, Capital Acquisition, Physicist, Radiology Safety, compliance, and vendors.
- Cross-Team Coordination: The success of the project was driven by effective collaboration among their clinical teams, radiology, and surgery, ensuring smooth integration of the new technology.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Unexpected Equipment Arrival: The equipment arrived without prior notice, presenting a major challenge for the team. The academic medical institution quickly organized a cross-departmental meeting to develop an action plan.
- Tight Installation Window: The MRI suite had to be shut down for installation, which required strategic timing.
- Skills Development: The project manager obtained the necessary credentials and training to supervise the MRI suite, further enhancing their operational flexibility and readiness.
Lessons Learned:
- The Importance of Communication: The team emphasized the need for more consistent communication with external clinics and stakeholders, ensuring that any new equipment or procedures are adequately planned for in advance.
- Value of Regular Meetings: The academic medical institution recognized that monthly meetings—even brief ones—could help avoid similar challenges by keeping everyone informed and proactively addressing issues.
Demonstrating Operational Agility in Healthcare IT
The swift and seamless installation of the NeuroBlate MRI laser system at the West Coast academic medical institution exemplifies Health Data Movers’ commitment to operational agility. Faced with the unexpected arrival of advanced medical equipment, the HDM team mobilized rapidly, coordinating across departments and securing necessary credentials to ensure the system was fully operational within 13.5 hours. This accomplishment not only minimized disruption but also significantly enhanced patient care by reducing inpatient stays from two weeks to just two days. Such responsiveness underscores HDM’s dedication to empowering healthcare providers through efficient data management, integration, and project execution, ensuring that technology serves its ultimate purpose: improved patient outcomes.