Introduction:
The BMBF project OR.NET pursues innovative approaches of system networking with integration and open communication of all medical devices in the operating room. Collaboration between manufacturers, academia and regulators reveals new ways of designing hardware and software architectures.
Methods:
Using the example of middle ear surgery, the preoperative management, the technical preparation of the operating room, the phantom surgery and the postoperative documentation in OR.NET were examined by n = 10 study participants (n = 5 ENT doctors, n = 2 heart surgeons, n = 1 anesthesiologist, n = 2 srub nurses). Qualitative interviews using structured interviews and quantitative, interval-scored questions (scores 0 – 9) were used.
Results:
Within the scope of the experimental setup, it was possible to network medical technology in a surgeon-centered manner. The majority (n = 8) emphasized the lack of training in the use of technical systems and integrated operating theaters. As the most important aspect of the future application, all participants mentioned the hardware and software stability of open systems. An increase in patient safety (median 7.5) and an improvement in the intraoperative workflow (median 9) were attested by all participants. Although n = 3 participants considered an increase in OR preparation time to be possible, the final reduction of time in an integrated operating room were rated as positive (median 8).
Conclusions:
In this clinical pilot study it could be shown that in the pre- peri- and postoperative setting a positive effect on the workflow can be expected through the OR.NET architecture.
