Theatre sending: how long does it take and what is the cost of late starts?

Abstract

This study seeks to identify areas of poor utilisation of theatre time and estimate the cost of late starts. Retrospective study of elective gynaecological operations from September to November 2008 in a district general hospital was conducted. Primary outcome measures were time to send, time for anaesthesia and procedure time. Secondary outcome measures were time to send for the first patient and cost of late starts (N = 164). The mean time to send was 19 ± 8.10 min (95% CI: 18–20). The mean time for anaesthesia was 9 ± 6.40 min (95% CI: 7.91–9.86). The mean procedure time was 60 ± 35 (95% CI: 55–65). On average time to send for the first patient on the morning list took 20 ± 9.83 min (95% CI: 17–23) and resulted in 93% of lists starting late. The surgical team waited a mean of 22 ± 19 min (95% CI: 17–27) for the first patient to arrive after the list was due to start. Total time wasted on late starts was 910 min (15 h), costing an estimated £3,640 over the 3-month period. This figure is based on local theatre staff wages of £236.30 per hour. Sending for patients 30 min before the list is due to start is an auditable standard that could increase theatre efficiency and enable 15 h of currently wasted resources to be used to shorten waiting lists and enhance staff training opportunities.