Operating room utilization benchmark: 75% suggested

If the operating room utilization rate is lower than 75 percent there is room for improvement, according to the authors.  This article discusses how to improve utilization by tightening up block scheduling rules.  One problem involves the commonly-used 4-hour block, which can be inefficient.  Another problem involves allowing surgeons to release blocks on short notice with no penalty.  How to design an efficient block scheduling system is described.

Source: The right strategies can help increase OR utilization.  OR Manager;29(5):21-22, May 2013.  Click here for the publisher’s website: http://www.ormanager.com/

Related information: Dexter, F., and others.  An operating room scheduling strategy to maximize the use of operating room block time: computer simulation of patient scheduling and survey of patients’ preferences for surgical waiting time.  Anesthesia & Analgesia;89:7-20, 1999.  Click here for full text free: http://www.internetgroup.ca/clientnet_new/docs/OR%20Scheduling%20Strategy.pdf