Kaiser shares ambulatory surgery benchmarks

The benchmark for utilization, or the amount of time the operating room is being used, is 85% in main ORs and 80% in ambulatory surgery unit, according to a study of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals of Southern California. Here are five ways to improve utilization: Use block scheduling and run at least some of your ORs through lunch. Schedule similar procedures after each other. Have your physicians standardize equipment and supplies as much as possible. Use certified registered nurse anesthetists. Reprocess and sterilize equipment on site.