Operating Room Data Recorder (ORDR)

SickKids uses an Operating Room Data Recorder (ORDR) system in three surgical rooms to collect video and audio data to assist the organization with quality improvement and safety initiatives. The ORDR project is designed to help operating room staff build their knowledge, enhance training, and improve process efficiencies.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is an Operating Room Data Recorder?

The Operating Room Data Recorder (ORDR) system is a tool SickKids adopted as part of its efforts to improve our safety culture, staff education training, and Operating Room efficiency and teamwork. The data, when collected and analyzed, can help inform educational materials for staff and trainees, optimize efficiency, improve resource utilization, and increase safety and quality during surgery.

What is being recorded?

The ORDR system captures synchronized and time-stamped video and audio data from wall-mounted video cameras, ceiling-mounted microphones, surgical video, and patient anesthetic/physiological data. It measures efficiency and safety in the Operating Room, such as start times, time out compliance, procedure times, turnover times, team dynamics, and can provide information on challenges and opportunities that occur during surgery.

How is patient health information (PHI) managed?

Although the patient is recorded as part of the surgery, their identity remains unknown to the reviewer. Video and audio will be universally de-identified by blurring all figures and distorting voices. Raw data is permanently and irreversibly erased after 30 days. The cameras will not have access to any patient information such as names, birthdates, or addresses.

Who will have access to recorded information?

A small number of clinical staff will have access to the information using multi-factor authentication. Governance is established to ensure only select trained clinical staff will use it to ensure quality improvement.

Is the Operating Room Data Recorder always on?

Yes. The purpose is to additionally capture information about Operating Room turnover times, downtime, staffing, cleaning, stocking, and other factors in addition to the direct procedures performed in the space.

Can cameras be turned off?

If a patient or family member does not consent to the recording, the system will be paused for the duration that the patient is in the Operating Room and no data will be recorded. As soon as that patient leaves the Operating Room, the recording will resume.

What happens in the case of an emergency?

If it is an emergency case, patients and families are notified afterwards to avoid delays in care. The recording will be discarded for those who request to opt out.

Can patients and families request video footage?

Patients and families have a right to request access to their own PHI (patient health information); however, we cannot grant requests to access PHI collected by the ORDR due to exemptions in the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Under PHIPA, the patient can appeal the decision with Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Where can I get more information?

Please ask a member of your health-care team if you require more information.