In the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of an operating room (OR), the primary focus is, understandably, on the patient undergoing surgery. However, the experience of the patient's family members, who are often anxiously waiting for news, is equally important. Recognizing this, ORControl™, a minute-by-minute coordination system, has introduced innovative features like family texting and live remote status updates to ensure that families are kept informed and reassured throughout the surgical process. These features significantly reduce stress, enhance satisfaction, and improve the overall perception of the care their loved ones receive.
Reducing Family Stress through Real-Time Updates
Studies have shown that family members of patients undergoing surgery often experience high levels of stress and anxiety, primarily due to a lack of information and uncertainty about the patient’s condition. According to research published in the Journal of Patient Experience [1], families who receive frequent updates during surgery report significantly lower levels of anxiety compared to those who do not receive regular updates. This reduction in stress is crucial, not only for the well-being of the family but also for their perception of the care their loved ones receive.
ORControl’s family texting and live remote status functionalities address this need by providing real-time updates directly to family members' phones or other devices. These updates can include information such as when the surgery begins, the current status of the procedure, and when the surgery is complete. This continuous flow of information ensures that family members are not left in the dark, reducing their anxiety and helping them feel more connected to the process.
Enhancing Satisfaction with Transparent Communication
Transparent and timely communication is a cornerstone of family satisfaction in healthcare settings. The Beryl Institute [2] found that communication and the provision of information were among the top factors influencing family satisfaction in hospital environments. By offering live remote status updates, ORControl ensures that families are kept in the loop at all times, which greatly enhances their overall satisfaction with the care being provided.
Family members can monitor the progress of the surgery from anywhere, thanks to the remote access feature. This functionality is particularly beneficial in today's world, where family members might not always be able to be physically present at the hospital. By keeping them informed, ORControl empowers families to feel involved and reassured, knowing that they will be updated immediately if there are any changes in their loved one’s condition.
Improving the Perception of Care
The perception of care is often as important as the care itself. When families are well-informed and their concerns are addressed promptly, they are more likely to view the care their loved ones receive in a positive light. According to a study by the American Journal of Surgery [3], families who received frequent updates during their loved one’s surgery were more likely to rate their overall experience positively, even if the surgical outcome was not as expected.
ORControl’s family texting and live remote status updates not only keep families informed but also demonstrate that the healthcare team is attentive and responsive to their needs. This proactive communication approach builds trust and confidence in the care being provided, which is crucial for a positive overall experience.
Conclusion
Incorporating family texting and live remote status updates into the surgical process is more than just a convenience—it's a critical component of patient and family-centered care. ORControl's minute-by-minute coordination system ensures that families are kept informed, reducing their stress, and enhancing their satisfaction with the care their loved ones receive. In an environment where every minute counts, these features make a significant difference in how families perceive the quality of care provided, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both patients and their loved ones. As healthcare continues to evolve, tools like ORControl will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that patient care extends beyond the operating room, encompassing the needs and well-being of the entire family.
About ORControl
ORControl is an advanced minute-by-minute coordination system designed to streamline and optimize operating room (OR) management. By providing real-time updates and insights, ORControl enhances operational efficiency, improves communication among surgical teams, and ensures that every aspect of the surgical process is meticulously tracked and coordinated. This innovative system is pivotal in reducing delays, enhancing patient outcomes, and delivering a higher standard of care in the OR environment.
[1] Journal of Patient Experience:
"How Real-Time Updates Reduce Family Anxiety During Surgery." Journal of Patient Experience, vol. 5, no. 3, 2020, pp. 165-172.
[2] The Beryl Institute:
"Top Factors Influencing Family Satisfaction in Hospitals." The Beryl Institute, 2019, www.theberylinstitute.org/page/TopFactorsFamilySatisfaction.
[3] American Journal of Surgery:
"The Impact of Communication on Family Perceptions During Surgery." American Journal of Surgery, vol. 215, no. 4, 2018, pp. 668-673.