Implementing a Standardized Operating Room Turnover Time Measurement System to Improve Operating Room Efficiency

Abstract

Operating Room (OR) turnover time (ToT) significantly affects surgical workflow efficiency, patient outcomes, and hospital financial sustainability. This Practice Improvement Project (PIP) aimed to address prolonged OR ToT observed in a hospital setting by implementing a standardised, automated ToT measurement system. Using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle and co-design approach, the project involved stakeholders across departments to define turnover phases, collect real-time data, and provide actionable feedback. Data were gathered through automated tracking, interviews, observations, and electronic health records to assess the system’s effectiveness. Results focused on OR efficiency, patient and staff satisfaction, and reduction in adverse postoperative outcomes. Implementation barriers, such as technological resistance and resource constraints, were mitigated through change management strategies. The project demonstrated the potential of standardised ToT systems to improve operating room performance, reduce patient wait times, and enhance the safety and quality of surgical care. The findings support broader adoption and further research into AI-driven surgical efficiency tools.