Abstract
Background
Inefficient operating room (OR) turnover times negatively affect surgical throughput, patient flow, staff workload, and hospital financial performance. Orthopedic procedures, which require complex equipment and coordinated workflows, are particularly vulnerable to delays. Evidence suggests that dedicated OR teams may improve efficiency and reduce variability in turnover processes.
Purpose
The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to evaluate the effect of implementing a dedicated team staffing model for elective orthopedic surgeries on OR efficiency, staff satisfaction, and surgeon satisfaction.
Methods
Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, the project was implemented in a 277-bed regional academic hospital with 24 operating rooms. A dedicated OR team was introduced for elective orthopedic cases over a 3-month period. Pre- and post-intervention turnover times, staff satisfaction, and surgeon satisfaction were compared. Data analysis focused on changes in mean turnover time and satisfaction scores.
Results
A total of 312 turnovers for elective orthopedic surgical cases were evaluated before and after the implementation of the dedicated team staffing model. Following implementation, the average operating room turnover time improved from 32.2 minutes to 29.7 minutes, reflecting a 2.5-minute reduction per turnover. Staff and surgeon satisfaction remained consistently high throughout the project, indicating that the staffing model supported improved operating room efficiency while maintaining positive perceptions of teamwork and workflow.
Conclusions
Implementation of a dedicated orthopedic team was associated with a modest but meaningful improvement in OR efficiency. Although staffing configuration alone explained little of the variation in turnover times, and satisfaction scores did not change significantly, standardized team processes and role consistency may contribute to improved perioperative performance.
Date of publication
Summer 8-2026
Document Type
DNP Scholarly Project (Local Access Only)
Language
english
Persistent identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/5098
Committee members
Gina Nickels-Nelson, Jasmin Kolaya.
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Recommended Citation
Ligon, Lailanie, "DNP Final Report: Right Team, Right Time: Improving Operating Room Efficiency Among Elective Orthopedic Surgeries" (2026). DNP Final Reports. Paper 93.
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/5098