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Use of management techniques to control elective surgery
1Leigh Infirmary, Lancashire.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|November 1, 1993
Summary
A 1989 outpatient restriction to 1,540 new patients annually aimed to optimize operating room time. By 1992, 89% of scheduled surgeries were completed on the planned date, indicating successful operational efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Surgical Operations
- Patient Flow Optimization
Background:
- In January 1989, a cap of 1,540 new outpatients per year was implemented.
- This policy aimed to create an estimated 770 intermediate equivalents of operating time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of outpatient volume restrictions on surgical scheduling and operating room utilization.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of scheduled operating dates for patients.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of an annual new outpatient limit of 1,540 patients starting January 1989.
- Introduction of scheduled operation dates for all outpatients during 1991 and 1992.
- Analysis of the percentage of patients operated on their planned date in 1992.
Main Results:
- An annual limit of 1,540 new outpatients was established.
- Scheduled operating dates were provided to outpatients in 1991 and 1992.
- In 1992, 89% of listed patients underwent surgery on their scheduled date.
Conclusions:
- The restriction on new outpatients appears to have facilitated improved operating room scheduling.
- The implementation of scheduled surgery dates led to high adherence in 1992.
- Operational efficiency in surgical services was positively impacted by patient flow management.