Framework for a retrospective analysis of operating room schedule execution

Abstract

The execution of an operating room schedule is constantly disrupted, which can decrease the initially targeted performance. Online operational management, which oversees daily activity, can reduce the deviations caused by disruptions between the initial schedule and the performed schedule. To support this process and encourage continuous improvement, we suggest a framework for analysing schedule execution in retrospect . The objectives are twofold: (1) to identify deviations and determine their root causes, and (2) to assess the relevance of the decisions made to reduce these deviations. This approach relies on a logbook to gather qualitative data on disruptions, and a dashboard to objectify the situation with computed indicators. We present an example of a schedule execution analysis in an anonymised French General Hospital.