Theatre Efficiency

• Good administrative systems and organisation are essential to ensure theatre efficiency.


• Staffing levels must match clinical activity.


• The operational layout of theatres should be such that the flow of patients through the system is facilitated.


• A pre-operative preparation area can improve theatre efficiency.


• Fully resourced, dedicated daytime emergency and trauma lists are essential.


• Operating lists should begin and end at agreed times.


• All day operating lists may improve efficiency.


• Up-to-date, clear information about operating lists must be available and any changes agreed.


• An adequately-staffed recovery unit must remain open during all periods of activity.


• High dependency and intensive care units should have clearly defined admission and discharge policies.

• The key elements in the efficient use of operating theatres are: effective management and good communication, trained staff, appropriate facilities, equipment, and operational layout.


• Good utilisation depends on a complex interaction between the availability of personnel and resources and on the attitudes and good practice of all staff involved.


• Efficiency in theatre is inevitably influenced by a huge range of surrounding resources such as pre-operative planning and assessment, beds, theatre sterile supply unit (TSSU) capacity and staffing levels in other disciplines.


• A good system of planning and scheduling in theatre will enable more work, including emergencies, to be carried out at a reasonable time, improve the patient and carer experience, and improve employee satisfaction and morale.