Operating room efficiency in a low resource setting: a pilot study from a large tertiary referral center in Ethiopia

This study found a high cancellation rate, most attributable to late start times leading to delays for the remainder of cases, and lack of preoperative patient preparation. In a setting with a high unmet burden of surgical disease, operating room (OR) efficiency must be maximized with improved patient evaluation workflows, adequate OR staffing and commitment to punctual start times. The study recommends future quality improvement projects focusing on these areas to increase OR efficiency.

Authors: Samuel Negash, Endale Anberber, Blen Ayele, Zeweter Ashebir, Ananya Abate, Senait Bitew, Miliard Derbew, Thomas G. Weiser, Nichole Starr & Tihitena Negussie Mammo