Mastering the 12 by 12 Benchmark Course

“12 by 12” in Plain Sight -- Setting a clear, courageous goal every team can rally around What would change if your OR could finish a full day’s joint work before lunch? In this first step we unpack why Dr DeCook chose the 12 by 12 benchmark and how you can adapt the principle—whether your target is six, eight, or twelve cases. This is about visible goals that serve patients, not vanity metrics.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the two “12”s (output vs. finish‑time) and re‑state them in terms that fit your practice. • List the three most actionable OR time segments: In‑Room‑to‑Cut, Surgery Time, Close‑to‑Out. • Explain why measuring active OR time—not merely empty‑room turnover—drives the biggest gains. • Draft a first‑pass efficiency goal that balances surgeon capacity, staff well‑being and patient flow. • Articulate the patient‑benefit link: shorter waitlists, fewer cancellations, quicker rehab starts.

Discussion Prompts

1. Share one ambitious yet realistic throughput goal for your OR. How will it improve patient access? 2. Which segment (In‑Room‑to‑Cut, Surgery Time, Close‑to‑Out) feels most “stuck” in your current workflow? Why? 3. Reflect on Walt Disney’s “believe all the way” quote: how can belief cascade from surgeon to scrub tech?

Vision & Targets

Learning Objectives

Discussion Prompts