Use of Theatre Time In Elective Orthopaedic Surgery: Where Does the Time Go?

Abstract

With an annual NHS budget of more than ?1 billion in England and Wales, theatre running costs are one of the most expensive hospital resources. 1 For most hospitals they are also the largest source of revenue. 2 It is therefore apparent that the efficient running of cases and lists should be given high priority. Studies into the use of theatre time in elective orthopaedic surgery have previously shown that 25% of theatre time is effectively wasted due to late starts, early finishes and inefficiency. 3 This study explores the time spent within the operating theatre, an area that has not been considered in other studies of efficiency in elective orthopaedic surgery.