Abstract PR478: Audit of Operating Theater Efficiency for Elective Surgery At Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (Kcmc) Teaching Hospital in Tanzania

Citation: 
Sweetbert, A.; Hellar, A.
Publication year: 
2016

Background & Objectives: To assess theatre efficiency at KCMC Referral hopsital, a University Teaching hospital in Tanzania.

The incidence and reasons for cancellation of surgery differs significantly between countries as well as from one hospital to another. Cancellation rates have been reported from 10% to 40%. Surgery cancellation has a an important direct effect on patient care and on the efficiency and output of surgery in a hospital.

Materials & Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional hospital based study from March to June 2015. We studied one theatre out of four available. This theatre was chosen for logistical reasons and because it was the most active and consistent with respect to scheduling.

Results: A total of 50 cases were scheduled in a one month period in the sample theatre. This represented 40% of the 125 schedule cases for the entire theatre suite for that month. Out of these 50 scheduled cases, 23 (46%) were cancelled. Many reasons were identified for cancellations including 12% of cases cancelled, as patients were unfit due to medical illness, abnormal vital signs or abnormal lab results on day of surgery. Lack of time for was also a common reason for surgery cancellation (12%). Absences of cross-matched blood for the operation resulted in 8% of scheduled patients being cancelled and 6% were displaced by an emergency. In addition, failure to pay (4%), lack of supplies (4%), lack of electricity (2.5%) and lack of anesthetist (2.5%) also played a role. One cancellation reason was unrecorded

Conclusion: Administrative and medical related reasons are the most common reasons for cancellations of patients scheduled for elective surgery at KCMC referral hospital. Many of these could be easily addressed, resulting in a significant improvement in operating theatre efficiency and patient care