Abstract
Efficient use of operating theatres is important to ensure optimum cost-benefit for the hospital. We used the elective plastic surgery theatre as a model to assess theatre efficiency at our institution. Data were collected retrospectively on every operation performed in the elective plastic surgery theatre between 1 June and 30 November 2012. Each component of the operating theatre process was considered and integrated to calculate values for surgical/anaesthetic time, changeover time and ultimately theatre efficiency. A total of 594 operations were carried out over 1140 hours of allocated theatre time (ATT). Actual operating time represented 57.0%, anaesthetic time 28.4% and changeover time 12.0% of ATT. The average changeover time between patients was 21 minutes. Lists started on average 8 minutes late each day. There were a total of 8.8 hours of overruns and 5.1 hours of no useful activity. Operating theatre efficiency was 81% for the six-month period. Our study has highlighted areas where theatre efficiency can be improved. We have been able to suggest various strategies to improve this that may be applied universally.
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