Limits to efficient operating room scheduling. Lessons from computer-use models
D. G. McQuarrie
It is not a trivial matter to achieve a high level of utilization in the
operation room (OR). The surgeon must give attention to schedule efficiency
to contain medical costs. Surgeons should also be aware that 100%
utilization of OR time is unrealistic except when there are repetitive,
uniform-length procedures. A regular utilization rate below 50% should
suggest overstaffing, overbuilding, or poor schedule management. Lessons
from scheduling computer use can help make OR utilization more efficient.
If a selective, effective algorithm is used in scheduling, norms of
utilization should be above 60% and peaks should exceed 75%. For efficiency
of scheduling, all ORs should be completely modular and should be large
enough to accommodate any type of surgery.