title: Optimizing Operating Room Scheduling.
abstract: This article reviews the management of an operating room (OR) schedule and use of the schedule to add value to an organization. We review the methodology of an OR block schedule, daily OR schedule management, and post anesthesia care unit patient flow. We discuss the importance of a well-managed OR schedule to ensure smooth patient care, not only in the OR, but throughout the entire hospital.
authors.affiliation: Perioperative Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, White 400, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Wilton C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.affiliation: Perioperative Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, White 400, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Electronic address: pdunn@partners.org.
authors.forename: Peter F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011997:Recovery Room / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: OR case length; OR case order; Operating room design; Operating room resource management; Operating room schedule; Post anesthesia care unit (PACU) flow