Introduction: Lost time in the Operating Room is significant. Until now, this has not properly been
scientifically explored and published in the literature. Time in the operating room is
crucial; crucial to the patient, to the surgical team, and to the utilization of institutional
resources. There are many reasons that this critical time is wasted.
This study demonstrates the amount of time that is wasted on average in different
neurosurgical procedures. The causes of lost operating time are explored and the
potential costs are contemplated. These costs include increased patient exposure to peri-
operative dangers, financial drain to the institution and the apparent loss of cohesiveness
to the operating team.
The significance of these findings cannot be understated. These costs are significant and
in many cases avoidable. With proper organizational effort this potential morbidity cause
can be limited. Not only will patients be less exposed to morbidities, but the health care
system can be partially relieved of its straining burden of cost – allowing resources to be
better utilized.
Methods: This was a prospective observational study of 100 neurosurgical cases done at the Ohio
State University. Participants were unaware they were being observed. Time was
observed from patient entering the Operating room to leaving the Operating room. All
types of neurosurgical procedures were included. Delays of more than 1 minute were
recorded. Delays were considered anything that interrupted the smooth flow of the
procedure that is preventable.
Results: The causes of delay can be divided into 2 basic categories: equipment- related and staff
related. Equipment related delay describes non-functioning or mal-functioning equipment
that needed adjustment, replacement or sterilization. Staff related delays describe those
delays related to waiting for the appropriate staff member to enter the room after being
called.
The cost of delay in the operating room is described financially and estimated based on
current hourly cost of an operating room. The ways in which delay can be limited are
explored. Further areas of study are highlighted.
Conclusions: Delays in the operating room are common and preventable. The costs are significant and
cannot be understated.
Patient Care: by cutting down delays in OR time, the patient will undergo shorter anesthetic time, the costs of healthcare will decrease and camaraderie among staff will improve leading to better patient outcomes
Learning Objectives: identify common delays in the operating room
learn how to run a more efficient Operating Room
analyze the impact made by simple common delays