Waiting for Godot: An analysis of 2622 operating room turnover times

摘要

Surgical theatre time is precious, and waiting time between surgical procedures is seen as wasted time. Thus, hospital managers increasingly intervene to minimise it. Most often, the start of the first procedure is the focus of interest. Less often, waiting times between operations (changeover time) are analysed. The first waiting time of the day is time taken to prepare the operating room, followed by multiple turnover times, which include resupply logistics, cleaning, disinfection and patient transfer, which need to be orchestrated. Are first and following turnover times influenced by the same factors, or are they independent factors?