Involving the patient can free resources

Involving the patient in the scheduling of theatres by a Diary Booking System improves patient choice and thus the quality of service offered. To assess the feasibility and cost effectiveness of such a system, a trial was conducted within ENT surgery. One consultant's theatre schedules were analysed before and after the introduction of a diary booking system. A second consultant's schedules, not using a diary booking system, were analysed to confirm the absence of seasonal variation or other factors. The trial consisted of three months' schedules before introduction and three months after introduction. The feasibility of the system was confirmed. The trial reduced cancellations by 32% and failures to attend by 68%. The introduction of the Diary Booking System increased the number of operations conducted by nearly one per session.