A Theatre Time Utilization Survey in a University Teaching Hospital from a Developing Country

Abstract

Background: Previous studies from the West African sub-region have shown a high cancellation rate of scheduled elective surgeries, but no studies from the same region had looked at the efficiency of theatre time utilisation. Our objective was to identify areas of, and causes of theatre time delay, and suggests solutions based on the identified deficiencies. Methods:Data on all patients undergoing elective surgeries were prospectively collected using a proforma to determine the duration of each step of patients' surgery starting from when patients were sent for, and ending with when patients left the operating room. The causes for delays were determined.Results: 279 elective cases were analysed. None of the first-on-the-list cases started as scheduled. The most common cause of delay was delayed transfer of patients from the wards to the theatre, and this occurred in 104 (33.4%) cases. The time spent in transferring patients from the ward ranged between 18% and 54 % of the total time spent from ward to the end of surgery. Most delays were due to poor coordination of patients' movement between the wards and the theatre as well as long distances between the wards and the theatre. Conclusion:Available theatre time is poorly utilized. To improve the overall efficiency of the theatre, qualitative improvement strategies should be instituted.

Patient transportation delays and effects on operation theatres' efficiency: A study for problem analysis and remedial measures

“…Oluwadiya et al highlighted the problem of delays in transferring patients to OTs in approximately one third of the cases. [12] They blamed the layout of the hospital which necessitated 15 min for patient transfer. Similarly, in our setting, physical distance was an important factor as transporting patients involved moving them from the eighth floor using transport lifts requiring about 20 min.…”

“…Among the various reasons attributed for causing unwanted delays in OTs, transportation delay has been recognized as an important reason. [91112] These delays are ascribed to causes such as the distance of the wards from the OTs, in coordination between OT nurses and ward nurses, and incomplete handovers among the nurses.…”

Delay of surgery start time: Experience in a Nigerian teaching hospital

“…[ 15 16 ] Delay in surgery start time, a prevailing problem in developing countries, cuts across hospitals in Nigeria. [ 16 17 18 ] It has led to several cancellations with attendant low output and increased morbidity and mortality. [ 12 16 19 20 ] Maximum utilization of the operating room requires on-time knife on the skin and efficient turnover.…”

“…Oluwadiya et al . [ 18 ] in Oshogbo noted a completion rate of 0% when the theater list exceeded three on the list.…”

Severity, challenges, and outcome of retroperitoneal hematoma in a Nigeria Tertiary Hospital

“…These causes of delay has been documented in other studies to be prevalent in low-resources country such as Nigeria. [ 7 23 24 ]…”