Operating Room Utilization Improvement Case Study

This case study details the implementation of LeanTaaS’ iQueue for Operating Rooms at the University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS) to address challenges related to operating room (OR) scheduling and utilization. TUKHS faced difficulties in accessing sufficient OR time due to scheduling inefficiencies and a lack of formal management policies. The goals of implementing iQueue included gaining insights into block utilization and key performance indicators, which would enable decision-makers to identify open OR time and optimize block allocations. The study outlines how access to reliable data facilitated better communication between OR leadership and surgeons, leading to increased engagement and motivation among surgical staff. After one year, TUKHS reported a 20% increase in overall block utilization and a 4.8% increase in primetime utilization, despite a 7% reduction in available rooms. The case study emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in improving OR efficiency and surgeon satisfaction.