High Reliability of Care in Orthopedic Surgery: Are We There Yet?

Abstract

As health care reimbursement models shift from volume-based to value-based models, orthopedic surgeons must provide patients with highly reliable care, while consciously minimizing cost, maintaining quality, and providing timely interventions. An established means of achieving these goals is by implementing a highly reliable care model; however, before such a model can be initiated, a safety culture, robust improvement strategies, and committed leadership are needed. This article discusses interdependent and critical changes required to implement a highly reliable care system. Specific operative protocols now mandated are discussed as they pertain to high reliability of orthopedic care and elimination of wrong-site procedures.

Keywords: High reliability; Lean management; Orthopedic practice; Safety; Six Sigma principles; Value-based.