The LIFT Lab has partnered with Sabrena Noria, MD, PhD, Medical Director for the University Hospital Perioperative Services and Surgical Director, Comprehensive Weight Management, Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery Program to transform surgical excellence at The Ohio State University.
Surgical inefficiencies, including prolonged turnover times, system flow inefficiencies and suboptimal scheduling, impact patient care, operative team well-being, and hospital finances. The Ohio State University SCALPEL initiative (Surgical Co-Design for Agile Lean Process & Enhanced Logistics), led by the LIFT Lab, leverages frontline engagement, actionable data analytics, and Lean principles to streamline OR workflows, reduce waste, and increase throughput. By focusing on data-driven interventions and real-time process improvements, SCALPEL creates sustainable enhancements in operating room efficiency, improves surgical team engagement and satisfaction, and drives financial optimization.
Strategic Advantage of SCALPEL
SCALPEL is designed to implement high-yield, low-disruption interventions that maximize OR efficiency. By combining Lean methodologies, frontline co-design, and rapid cycle testing, we deliver sustainable improvements that enhance both clinical outcomes and hospital revenue. Our structured, data-driven approach ensures that efficiency gains translate directly into measurable financial and operational benefits.
Team:
Sabrena Noria, MD, PhD- Collaborator, Project Leader
Gabriel Alain, DPT, PhD
Carmen Quatman, MD, PhD
James Crick, DPT, PhD
Catherine Quatman-Yates