Delays and efficiency in the bronchoscopy suite: perception meets reality

Abstract

Procedural delays or late start times in the bronchoscopy suite can impact operational efficiencies and potentially patient care. To date, little data have been published examining the potential causes of such delays or ways to prevent them in the bronchoscopy unit. In a quality assessment project at a major medical center, we surveyed members of the bronchoscopy team to determine perceptions of the existence of delays in the bronchoscopy suite and possible causes. For comparison, we prospectively observed procedures in the bronchoscopy suite and retrospectively reviewed the records of past procedures to identify delays in the delivery of care. A total of 31 procedures were prospectively observed, with delays (defined a priori as procedures beginning 15 minutes after the scheduled start time) occurring 80% of the time. Two hundred thirty-four procedures were retrospectively reviewed, with delays occurring 71% of the time. In both data sets, the largest portion of time the patient spent in the bronchoscopy suite was during the preprocedure period. Delays often occur in the bronchoscopy suite, with preprocedure activities identified as an area for potential improvement.