Operating theatres
Digital innovation in the operating theatre
In this article, Richard McAuley explores how digital innovations in operating theatres are reshaping the future of healthcare, by striving to achieve energy efficiencies, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced sustainability.
The National Health Service (NHS) stands at a crossroads, grappling with mounting pressures from rising patient demands, budget constraints, and ambitious Net Zero carbon goals. In this challenging landscape, the integration of smart technologies into operating theatres emerges as a beacon of hope, a transformative solution that not only enhances clinical safety but also drives operational efficiency and sustainability. Automation, powered by intelligent control systems, lies at the heart of this revolution, offering healthcare facilities an unprecedented opportunity to optimise resource utilisation while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. By examining the synergy between Digital
Operating Theatre controls and broader building management systems (BMS), this article aims to uncover new pathways to achieve energy efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and support environmental responsibility. From uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to advanced theatre control panels, these technologies exemplify how automation can drive both clinical excellence and sustainability.
The role of intelligent control systems At the core of modern operating theatres is the Intelligent Theatre Control Panel (iTCP), a groundbreaking innovation that has redefined how environmental and safety systems are monitored and controlled. Traditionally, managing the myriad of systems within an operating theatre, such as air handling units, ultraclean ventilation (UCV) systems, lighting, heating, and occupancy sensors has been a complex and resource-intensive task. However, the iTCP simplifies this process by serving as a centralised, computer-controlled interface that integrates all these components into a cohesive platform. The iTCP’s ability to provide real-time status
updates and automated control over various subsystems can be revolutionary. For instance, it uses occupancy sensors and predefined schedules to determine when the theatre is in use. Based on this data, the system can dynamically adjust the operation of air handling units, lighting, temperature controls, and UCV systems to optimise energy consumption.
When the theatre is unoccupied, air handling units can be placed in reduced power ‘set-back’ mode, lighting levels can be reduced, and room temperatures can be lowered. Similarly, UCV systems can operate at reduced power levels once air quality particulate targets are met. These measures collectively result in significant energy savings without compromising patient safety or comfort. Moreover, the iTCP facilitates proactive
maintenance, a critical advantage in ensuring uninterrupted theatre availability. System status and alarm levels are continuously monitored and fed directly to the BMS in real time. This allows facilities management teams to identify potential issues such as degraded air filters, inefficient medical gas systems, or declining UPS battery performance before they escalate into critical failures. For example, UPS battery systems can be programmed to conduct load tests during periods when the theatre is unoccupied, with results reported to the BMS platform for trend analysis. This enables predictive maintenance scheduling, reducing downtime and improving the overall reliability of operating theatres compared to reactive maintenance models.
Proactive maintenance and energy monitoring One of the standout features of the iTCP is its ability to facilitate proactive and preventative maintenance through continuous monitoring and real-time data integration. In traditional operating theatres, maintenance is often reactive, addressing issues only after they have caused disruptions or failures. This approach not only increases downtime but also poses risks to patient safety and operational efficiency. The iTCP changes this paradigm by enabling predictive maintenance, where potential problems are identified and addressed before they impact theatre operations. The status of plant and equipment within the OR is interrogated by the theatre control panel and this data set can then be passed directly to the
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