The results
As a result of Wipfli’s analysis, O’Neil was able to meet with the board with confidence and attain their approval to acquire the da Vinci robotic surgical system. Unity has recruited a general surgeon and received excellent feedback from patients on their surgery experience. Da Vinci has been shown to shorten patient recovery times, reduce complications and reduce readmittance rates. As the first CAH in North Dakota with a da Vinci, Unity will be able to use it as a marketing tool to increase patient volume, as well as a recruitment tool to attract more staff and residents. Most importantly to Unity, however, da Vinci is a long-term investment in patient safety and the region it serves.