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.