Effect of cataract surgery training on operating room productivity: How long trainees take

To determine the effect of specialty training on cataract operation times and operating room efficiency.

Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom.

Retrospective consecutive case series.

Specialty training and consultant case times with preparation times were recorded between August 2014 and May 2015. Cases with posterior capsule rupture requiring anterior vitrectomy or iris hook insertion were analyzed.

The study reviewed 1904 cases (906 consultant cases, 797 specialty training cases). Trainees' case time was significantly longer than consultants' (mean 24.25 minutes ± 12.36 [SD] versus 19.59 ± 10.05 minutes) (P < .0001). The difference between the 1- to 3-year trainees' mean surgical time and 4- to 7-year trainees' mean surgical time was statistically significant (P < .0001). Mean case time decreased from 27.63 ± 12.57 minutes (1- to 3-year trainees) to 22.55 ± 11.90 minutes (4- to 7-year trainees). The mean posterior capsule rupture rate was 2.76% for trainees and 1.77% for consultants. When posterior capsule rupture occurred, the mean surgical time increased to 49.81 ± 18.69 minutes for the consultant group and 67.00 ± 26.26 minutes for the trainee group (P = .024). When iris hooks were required, the mean case time was 26.41 ± 11.28 minutes and 34.11 ± 15.06 minutes, respectively (P = .026).

Specialty training cases had a longer duration than consultant cases, although the mean surgical time decreased with increased trainee experience. After 3 years of training, trainees did not have a significant effect on operating room efficiency.

None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.