WP2.6 - Improving theatre utilisation and reducing waiting list times – could ‘standby’ patients be the answer? Free

With the NHS waiting list at a record high of over 7.3 million patients, it has never been more important to maximise theatre productivity. We piloted a ‘standby patient’ initiative for patients awaiting elective day-case procedures, with the aim of optimising theatre utilisation, reducing waiting lists, improving hospital revenue and ultimately patient care.

The principle of a ‘standby’ patient is to reduce the rate of ‘on the day’ cancellation and utilise theatre time. Suitable patients were offered the opportunity to be on ‘standby’ for selected day case lists. If list capacity allowed, the patient was called in. If postponed, they were offered a dedicated date. A patient questionnaire was also conducted to gain an understanding of the ‘standby’ patient experience.

Between May and November 2023, 12 ‘standby' patients were identified, average waiting list time of 44 weeks. Cases included hernia repairs and laparoscopic cholecystectomies. 6/12 were operated on their standby slot, 1 patient cancelled, and 5/12 were postponed but had surgery within an average of 6 weeks. This earnt the trust approximately £15240 in additional tariff. 10/12 patients responded to the patient questionnaire with all reporting either good or excellent experience of the initiative. Positive comments included ‘good communication’ and ‘excellent standard of care’.

The standby patient initiative is well received by patients, and provides a cost-effective solution to optimise theatre utilisation, reduce waiting list times, and improve patient care. Following this successful pilot, we plan to introduce the standby patient across further surgical lists within the trust.