High-Performance Lists (HPLs) are one tool, from a suite of initiatives available to Acute Hospitals, that can be implemented to improve productivity and increase activity using existing resource within theatres.

There are different types of HPLs – Superlists, Hit List, Parallel lists to name some – and assessing the version that is most suitable for your organisation is key. Leaders should consider factors such as:

• Underlying data that highlights, at Specialty level, where the opportunities are
• Basic processes in place
• Clinical engagement

When the core data highlights the flow of patient activity on a particular pathway is slow, despite some of the basic processes being in place, implementing an HPL might be a valuable option. That value is not just derived from simply operating on more patients but can drive a cultural shift in teams across the pathway.

The reality of delivering a successful HPL is that the whole pathway has to be focused. The interdependencies have to be sharpened and bought into to deliver the outcome. It adds rigour and drives governance to the pathway.

Quite often, the other consequence is to de-mystify the perceived bottlenecks in the pathway. The result of teams being focused on delivering an HPL, with the planning required from each element, is that problems are solved proactively and teams take back a sense of ownership. 

A big challenge for this type of initiative is its sustainability. Importantly, this isn’t usually down to a lack of clinical buy-in, often the opposite. HPLs support surgeons in doing more surgery, spending more time at the operating table, and helping patients. There is typically a cost associated with running this kind of list, and leaders will need to take that decision to build them into their business plan. However, they can also be cost-effective; if not through additional income, then through reducing the burden on in-sourcing and out-sourcing solutions.

The sustainability challenge must also be overcome with a strong internal improvement programme, which mandates key stakeholders across the pathway to own the required changes and continuously bring the successes and/or learning back to the table to provoke discussion and adaptation. The underlying framework that supports implementing and embedding these is a critical success factor in their longevity.

There are many benefits to implementing High-Performance Lists, including:

• Reducing patient waits: Many more patients can be treated over that of the traditional mainstream approach.
• Increases productivity: Surgeons are at the table for longer than normal—up to 80% of their time during the list, even on high turnover lists.
• Achieves better clinical buy-in: Surgeons get to spend more time doing what they love doing: operating!
• Improves motivation: The wider team enjoys a vibrant delay without the inherent days and overruns of traditional lists.
• Empowerment: Everybody has a key role and purpose critical to success.
• Solves problems: Drives the multi-disciplinary team to solve problems, proactively alleviating bottlenecks.
• Brings rigour: Drives rigour and effective governance to the pathways.
• Net benefits: Creates potential financial upside through income generation or avoiding in-sourcing and out-sourcing cost.

To learn more about how HPLs can help your theatre productivity, contact us today by clicking the link below.