A short delay in operating room availability for urgent cases is associated with significant increases in hospital costs, according to a study published in Surgery.
Researchers conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent appendectomy for appendicitis from 2004-2009. They found a gap time of more than two hours — the time from case booking to surgery start — was associated with 39 percent higher costs to the hospital.
The authors suggest the increased cost from delayed OR availability was due to inefficient care.
TeleTracking Technologies' Second Generation Real Time Locating System Now Available
The One Change ORs Should Make to Improve Efficiency: 9 Responses
Researchers conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent appendectomy for appendicitis from 2004-2009. They found a gap time of more than two hours — the time from case booking to surgery start — was associated with 39 percent higher costs to the hospital.
The authors suggest the increased cost from delayed OR availability was due to inefficient care.
Related Articles on OR Efficiency:
Study: OR Floor Markings Improve Device Placement for Clean Air FlowTeleTracking Technologies' Second Generation Real Time Locating System Now Available
The One Change ORs Should Make to Improve Efficiency: 9 Responses