Variability in Operating-Room Scheduling at St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Abstract
This paper presents a report on a study of variability in the operating-room schedules at St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Operating room statistics were collected, and on-site observations and interviews were carried out. Great amounts of nonutilized time were found to be due especially to nonscheduling and cancellations. The variability was marked, and its ultimate cause was considered to be the lack of comprehensive operating room scheduling policies and regulations. The more immediate causes were: (1) the use of two separate and independently-functioning, operating-room complexes, (2) the availability for scheduling of a number of rooms and hours greatly exceeding the demand, (3) operating-room delays, particularly those caused by late surgeons and anesthesiologists, (4) elective surgery performed outside of the regular hours, and (5) deficiencies in the scheduling procedures. Recommended to improve the schedules are: (1) comprehensive and enforced scheduling policies and regulations, (2) limitation of all surgery to one of the operating-room complexes exclusively, thus simplifying staffing and increasing the percentage of utilized time, (3) reduction of the hours in the routine surgical schedule, (4) modification of the scheduling procedures, and (5) increased support from central supply.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD1210797
Entities
People
- William C. Fisher