Operation Theatre Scheduling & Turnover Time Optimization
How Smart Planning Improves Surgical Outcomes
OT Management Systems in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is OT Scheduling?
Operation Theatre scheduling is the structured planning of:
✔ Surgery timings
✔ OT allocation
✔ Surgeon availability
✔ Anesthesia & nursing support
Efficient scheduling ensures maximum OT utilization with minimum delays.
Why OT Scheduling Matters in Surgical Hospitals
Poor scheduling leads to:
❌ Surgery delays
❌ Surgeon fatigue
❌ Patient dissatisfaction
❌ OT underutilization
Optimized scheduling improves both clinical outcomes and hospital efficiency.
What Is OT Turnover Time?
OT Turnover Time is the time taken between:
➡️ One patient exiting the OT
➡️ Next patient entering for surgery
It includes cleaning, setup, instrument readiness, and team coordination.
Ideal OT Turnover Time Components
✔ Patient transfer out
✔ OT cleaning & disinfection
✔ Instrument replacement
✔ Anesthesia setup
✔ Team briefing
Each minute saved improves workflow.
Factors Affecting OT Turnover Time
✔ Case complexity
✔ Instrument availability
✔ Cleaning protocols
✔ Team coordination
✔ Emergency case interruptions
Understanding factors helps reduce delays.
Strategies to Optimize OT Scheduling
1️⃣ Block Scheduling
✔ Fixed OT slots for surgeons
✔ Predictable workflow
✔ Reduced conflicts
2️⃣ Case Prioritization
✔ Elective vs emergency cases
✔ Time-based sequencing
✔ Backup OT plans
3️⃣ Parallel Processing
✔ OT cleaning while next patient prepared
✔ Instruments pre-assembled
✔ Anesthesia readiness in advance
Role of Technology in OT Scheduling
✔ Digital OT scheduling software
✔ Real-time case updates
✔ Delay alerts
✔ Data-driven planning
Technology reduces human error.
Quality Indicators for OT Efficiency
✔ OT utilization rate
✔ Case start-time accuracy
✔ Average turnover time
✔ Case cancellation rate
Monitoring ensures improvement.
Staff Coordination & Communication
✔ Pre-op team briefings
✔ Clear role allocation
✔ Time-out protocols
Teamwork drives efficiency.
Emergency Case Management
✔ Dedicated emergency OT
✔ Flexible scheduling
✔ Rapid mobilization protocols
Preparedness prevents chaos.
NABH Guidelines for OT Management
NABH emphasizes:
✔ Proper OT scheduling
✔ Documentation
✔ Resource optimization
✔ Patient safety
Efficiency must never compromise safety.
OT Scheduling Practices at Aayush Multispeciality Hospital
✔ Structured OT schedules
✔ Trained OT coordinators
✔ Emergency-ready protocols
✔ Continuous performance monitoring
Smart planning equals smooth surgeries.
Why Dr. Ankur Bhanushali Focuses on OT Efficiency
✔ Reduced patient waiting time
✔ Better surgeon performance
✔ Lower OT stress
✔ Improved surgical outcomes
Efficient OTs save time, lives, and resources.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa Building, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
