Abstract
Background: Benchmarking techniques were implemented to optimize operating time and charges associated with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Materials and Methods: The baseline LAVH profile over a period of 4 years (167 cases) was compared with 1-year data (47 cases) after a benchmarking educational program (disseminating data ranking performance by each surgeon plus suggestions for improvement). Preintervention and postintervention profiles were compared by means of Student t test and wilcoxon rank sum analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to identify additional sources of variation for operative charges and time. Results: Mean operating times after implementing benchmarking were lower, averaging 182 versus 197 minutes in the control subjects (P = 0.05). We found no significant difference in total or operative charges. After adjusting for potential confounders, benchmarking remained associated with decreased operating time in the multivariate model (P = 0.01). Conclusions: LAVH operating times decreased after a surgical benchmarking and education intervention, but operating charges did not.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 883-887 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Southern Medical Journal |
Volume | 98 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2005 |
Keywords
- Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopy
- Quality improvement
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine