Activating a large foreign outpatient facility using a systems-based approach to dry runs

The value of dry runs as a tool to assess operational readiness when activating healthcare facilities is well documented. However, this paper analyses how the application of this tool is often limited to isolated teams or processes. The paper describes how, 2019, Mayo Clinic was engaged in a consulting capacity to activate a large healthcare facility in the Middle East. A short activation timeline and limited staff exposure to the new facility meant there was a need to conduct a systematic assessment of operational readiness. The systems-based approach to scenario development and dry run execution relied on the involvement of 28 outpatient specialties and 16 support functions. These teams collectively executed dry runs for 74 integrated scenarios and actively participated in the resolution of findings. Integrated scenarios served to validate operations at a systems level, while team-specific scenarios served as supplemental validation for isolated processes. Dry runs exposed a total of 231 findings. High, medium and low priority findings made up 36%, 42% and 22% of total findings, respectively. Prior to activation, 75% of findings were resolved, 9% were no longer applicable and 16% were prioritised as post-activation projects. During activation, no serious patient safety, regulatory or compliance issues were reported, and no major security events occurred. This is evidence that dry runs were successful in exposing latent gaps in workflows; training and education; and infrastructure, equipment, supplies and technology.