Improving Operating Room Access and Utilization at an Academic Ophthalmology Department

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement Science

Background:

• A quality improvement project focused on enhancing operating room (OR) access and utilization for elective ophthalmic procedures.
• The study was conducted at a university-affiliated eye center to address inefficiencies in OR scheduling and workflow.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess operating room utilization for ophthalmic cases.
• To identify and address key drivers of inefficiency in OR scheduling.
• To implement targeted interventions to improve OR access and utilization.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, interventional case series design was employed.
• OR utilization was assessed over a 3-month baseline period across three ORs.
• Case scheduling protocols were reviewed, and interventions were implemented based on identified barriers.

Main Results:

• Baseline monthly surgery volume averaged 290 cases.
• Identified inefficiencies included lack of standardized forms, delayed tests, poor communication, and inadequate block time enforcement.
• Post-intervention, OR utilization increased by 20%, with average monthly case volume rising to 350 (approx. 60 additional surgeries/month).
• Use of standardized EPIC surgical orders with laterality increased more than twofold (39 to 97 cases/month).

Conclusions:

• Targeted, multidisciplinary interventions effectively improved OR utilization by 20%.
• Quality improvement projects are crucial for enhancing patient access and optimizing institutional resources in healthcare settings.