Computer-aided optimization of surgical planning in practical application

Introduction The economic potential of an ENT clinic depends largely on its performance in the operating theater. Surgery planning is usually based solely on empiricism. Previously we had developed a program for optimized surgical planning, which determines the ideal distribution of procedures in a surgical week over the various days of the week. Now the resulting planning recommendations were to be implemented and evaluated in clinical routine.

Material and methods The optimization tool based on Microsoft Excel®​ was used to analyze 40 surgical weeks from 2022. The practical implementation took place in September 2023. Bed occupancy, violations of the lower and upper limit length of stay (lower GV & upper GV) and the external occupancy of beds in other specialist departments were evaluated in comparison to the average for the months of January to August.

Results The recommendations for the surgical plan change were successfully implemented. A comparable number of procedures (n=258) were performed in September as in the previous months (261±15). Bed occupancy increased from 84.2 (97.0%) to 92.1 (102.5%) including (excluding) bed closures. The number of third-party occupancies decreased from 14.1±10.1 bed days per month to 3. Upper GV and lower GV injuries decreased from an average of 10.6±4.5 to 6 and from 15.0±4.8 to 12 cases per month respectively.

Conclusion The optimization approach was successfully implemented in one test month. Training of various professional groups was necessary. The effects on bed occupancy, third-party occupancy and GV injuries were positive without exception and led to a relevant increase in revenue. As a single month does not yet allow for a statistically valid evaluation, a longer application is planned.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 April 2024