ORs move toward greater automation

LONDON – Operating rooms (ORs) will soon see a technological makeover, as healthcare spending cuts and an increased elderly population demands maximal efficiency of surgery, claims a new report by medical experts GlobalData.

The GlobalData report investigates the rise of OR solutions, including technologically advanced operating tables, surgical lights, cameras, and equipment management systems, implemented for the improvement of workflow, and the enhancement of physician performance and patient safety.

A significant increase in surgical procedures is expected by 2020, brought about by the ageing population in the US. This is expected to contribute to growth in the OR solutions market. Demand for surgery will thus grow, and quicker operations will be expected to meet demand. OR solutions can prove vital in this way – for, instance, strategically placed equipment can decrease set-up and clean-up time of ORs. Therefore, OR solutions help generate greater hospital revenue by reducing OR turnover times and enhancing operating efficiency.

Ageing baby boomers also increases the need for healthcare, but the global economic recession has led to stringent healthcare cuts in many countries. These funding cuts have led to a shortage of healthcare professionals in hospitals, as cost-cutting includes minimizing staffing. OR solutions decrease the number of supporting staff required during surgery, as equipment can perform simple tasks which remove the need for an assisting nurse.