Study: OR Availability Delay Greater Than Two Hours Increased Hospital Costs 39%

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.

Advertisement

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 Flow
TeleTracking Technologies’ Second Generation Real Time Locating System Now Available

The One Change ORs Should Make to Improve Efficiency: 9 Responses

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Patient Safety & Outcomes

Advertisement

Comments are closed.