OR door movement counters

Software and sensors for registration and real-time feedback 

The ComSens OR-door counting system is a wireless system that registers, analyzes and provides real-time feedback to the OR staff, regarding the number of OR-door movements.

The system consists of several software modules, including:

• An OR-monitor providing real-time feedback in the OR
• An analysis tool to generate relevant management information
• Numerous possibilities to connect the OR-door movements software to the OR registration system

1. In brief: the benefits

1. The door movement counters are wireless, hence quickly installed (within 1 or 2 days) and without additional costs or required OR down-time
2. Easily connected to existing OR registration software, by using a direct connection (e.g. HL-7 or http-request) or indirect connection (Excel sheet)
3. ComSens OR-monitor provides surgical team members with real-time feedback on their behaviour, hence raising awareness concerning the number of OR door movements
4. Software is web-based and therefore easily accessible through existent devices
5. The system can easily be expanded in order to incorporate other surgical site infection indicators and air quality. Click on the link for more information about the OR Monitoring System or Air quality.
6. User-friendly analysis tool that generates important management information per specialism, surgical procedure code or surgeon. 
7. Sensors are conform IEC 60.601.1 & 2 standards for medical devices and therefore certified for use in the OR.
8. This system was specifically designed for the OR and is in accordance with the latest Dutch infection prevention guidelines.

2. Background information: why register OR door movements?

The frequency of OR door movements is a key process indicator for the occurrence of post-surgical site infections (SSIs). 
Door movements have been included in the most recent infection prevention guidelines.

There are two main reasons for this: 

• Relation with air quality
  Scientific research evidenced the relationship between OR-door movements and the air quality in the OR. Frequent opening of the OR-doors disrupts the pressurization and causes a turbulent airflow that could increase airborne contamination. By reducing the number of OR-door movements to an absolute minimum the air quality in the OR can be improved, resulting in a fundamental reduction of the amount of SSIs.

• Relation with hygiene-compliance
  Additionally,the amount of door movements also indicates the general hygiene-compliance in the OR. Measuring of OR door movements and the enhanced transparency provide reference points to improve the hygiene compliance, raise awareness and moreover it motivates OR staff to comply with  infection prevention guidelines.

The OR door movement system has been developed in close cooperation with the operating room department and the microbiology department of the Erasmus MC: University Medical Centre Rotterdam.

3. Award: IGZ ZorgVeiligPrijs 2010

NewCompliance's ComSens OR door movement system has received, as the first and only commercial party, an honourable commendation for the IGZ ZorgVeiligPrijs 2010.

This is a national award for innovations in the field of patient safety. NewCompliance finished as one of the best four initiatives.

4. Integration and communication with existing OR registration

According to Dutch standards, there is a consensus that the amount of door movements should be registered from the moment of start incision to the moment that the surgical wound is closed. 
The risk of surgical site infection is at its highest when the patient's body is opened up.

The registration of the amount of OR door movements is therefore only relevant, when the right amount of door movements can be displayed.

To realise this, NewCompliance is able to realise communication and integration with other OR registration systems.

The compliance of door movement registration with the actual time of the surgical procedure can be realised as following:

1. Manual registration of 'start incision' and 'stop operation' by the OR staff through the OR monitor (see image on top)
2. Indirect import of registration from other software programmes through Excel (EZIS, McKesson) 
3. Direct communication through HL-7 (e.g. Chipsoft EZIS) 
4. Direct communication through http-request (e.g. Metavision)

5. Expansion with other SSI parameters and air quality

The OR door movement can easily be expanded with NewCompliance's software application for real-time feedback of SSI parameters and the application for real-time feedback of air quality. For more information click here.

6. Displays voor direct visualisation outside the OR

NewCompliance is able to supply displays, which are to be placed outside the OR, showing the amount of OR door movements per surgical procedure. Furthermore information about the surgeon and the time of incision are available on these mini-displays.

Displays outside the OR come with several advantages:

1. A higher level of transparency is created - One will see the amount of door movements before entering the OR and will be discouraged to enter the OR, if this is not strictly necessary.
2. Awareness is raised - Anyone outside the OR notices the amount of door movements, creating an environment open to discussion

7. Customisation

NewCompliance offers customised solutions for health care institutions. The OR Monitoring System can be tailored to the specific needs of a health care provider within a short time span and at low costs. As a young and dynamic company, NewCompliance has the organisational flexibility to offer end-to-end solutions. It is possible to include, exclude or modify certain parameters according to the specific wishes of a health care institution.

Interested in the possibilities for registration and real-time feedback of OR door movements in your health care institution?

Contact NewCompliance! We are happy to provide more information or to provide a free product demonstration.