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Lessons From Computer-Use Models

Donald G. McQuarrie, MD, PhD

Arch Surg. 1981;116(8):1065-1071.

Abstract
• It is not a trivial matter to achieve a high level of utilization in the operating 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 accomodate any type of surgery.

(Arch Surg 1981;116:1065-1071)

Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Surgery and Health Computer Sciences, University of Minnesota, and the Department of Surgery, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Feb 18, 1981.

Read in part at the Fourth Annual Surgical Symposium of the Association of Veterans Administration Surgeons, Alexandria, Va, May 14, 1980.

Reprint requests to Department of Surgery, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 54th Street and 48th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55417 (Dr McQuarrie).

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