Lean process improvement of first case scheduling in operating rooms

Faisal Aqlan, Omar Ashour, Anne Pedersen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Maximizing operating room (OR) utilization requires effective scheduling of surgical cases. Ineffective schedules result in costly overtime and decreased patient satisfaction. The impact is magnified when the first surgical case is delayed which causes the other cases to be delayed as well. Moreover, scheduling first cases late results in low utilization of hospital resources and may impact the quality of care for patients. This paper investigates the first case scheduling process in a tertiary hospital in Pennsylvania, USA. Lean techniques and data analysis are utilized to analyze the scheduling inefficiencies and propose process improvement strategies. The proposed strategies resulted in significant improvement in the number of cases scheduled by 7:30 AM which reduced the amount of overtime and improved OR utilization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication6th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management in Kuala Lumpur, IEOM 2016
PublisherIEOM Society
Pages707-716
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9780985549749, 9780985549756
StatePublished - Jan 1 2016
EventIEOM Detroit Conference, IEOM 2016 - Southfield, United States
Duration: Sep 23 2016Sep 25 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
ISSN (Electronic)2169-8767

Other

OtherIEOM Detroit Conference, IEOM 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySouthfield
Period9/23/169/25/16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Strategy and Management
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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