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An orthopaedic theatre timings survey
D Ricketts1, J Hartley, M Patterson
1Department of Orthopaedics, Central Middlesex Hospital, London.
Summary
Efficient operating room use is crucial for reducing surgical waiting lists. This study found significant time wastage in elective orthopaedic lists, highlighting areas for improvement in theatre efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Surgical Operations
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Operating lists are expensive and essential for managing surgical waiting lists.
- General surgery theatre utilization is documented, but orthopaedic theatre efficiency remains unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess operating room utilization in elective orthopaedic lists.
- To identify reasons for inefficient time use in these sessions.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 151 elective orthopaedic lists across three hospitals.
- Analysis of operating room usage, including time spent on operations, turnover, and idle periods.
Main Results:
- 60% of elective orthopaedic list time was used for operations, with 21% for turnover.
- 19% of theatre time was unproductive, attributed to average start delays of 26.5 minutes and early finishes.
- Delays were primarily linked to anaesthetic (63%) and theatre staff (24%), with surgeons implicated in 10%.
Conclusions:
- Elective orthopaedic theatre sessions can be used more efficiently.
- Improved preparation by anaesthetic, theatre, and surgical staff is key.
- Presence of senior anaesthetic and consultant surgical staff correlates with fewer delays and quicker turnover.