Strategies for correct prediction of operative time in order to increase efficiency in the operating room: a retrospective observational study

Introduction: Knowledge of operating room schedules can lead to accurate planning by allowing weaknesses and critical issues to be identified, then being able to focus forces at these points in order to correct them. Planning adds value to an organization but must be assured by performance indicators of operating times. Such indicators make it possible to analyze the operating process by evaluating performance. The aim of the study is to know the operating room timings by obtaining better daily planning.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from November 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, involving the five surgical branches of IRCCS CROB in order to analyze and monitor the operative times of surgical procedures, proposing a supporting tool. The study uses three indicators: Pre-operative time (T1), Surgical time (T2) and Post-operative time (T3).
Results: Analysis of the data collected shows that there were 209 valid surgeries. Pre-operative time was 58.55 min, post-operative time was 36.84 min, and surgical time was 99.76 min. Preoperative and postoperative times appear to be the main times on which to gain margin of improvement and thus the first to act on.
Discussion: Adopting a consultation tool with average surgery times can help staff in estimating duration and room occupancy. The presented study is aimed at improving OR performance in terms of quality of care, effectiveness and efficiency by achieving better daily scheduling.
Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of operating times with periodic reviews is desirable.