Theatre Utilisation Rate
Percentage of scheduled operating theatre time used for surgical procedures
What is Theatre Utilisation Rate?
Theatre utilisation rate is the percentage of scheduled operating theatre time that is actually used for surgery. It shows how efficiently theatres are run.
Theatres are expensive resources, so unused time is a significant cost and delays treatment for patients.
How this KPI is measured
- Function
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Sub-function
- Surgical Performance
- Industry
- Healthcare
- Type
- Lagging
- Impact
- Operational
- Unit
- %
- Measurement frequency
- Monthly
- Formula
- (Actual operative time / Scheduled theatre time) × 100
How to calculate it
Divide actual operative time by scheduled theatre time, and multiply by 100.
For example, if 3,400 hours were used out of 4,500 scheduled, utilisation is about 76%.
Decide how to treat turnaround and anaesthetic time, and be consistent about whether they count as used.
Where it is used
Improving efficiency
Use theatre time better.
Reducing waiting lists
Treat more patients.
Planning sessions
Schedule realistically.
How to improve it
Tips and common mistakes
- 100% is not realistic. Some slack is needed for emergencies.
- Safety comes before speed.
- Track cancellations and late starts.
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