Introduction: Efficient patient management is a key quality indicator in healthcare services. Delays in hospital processes, from admission to discharge, can adversely affect patient satisfaction, resource utilization, and overall hospital efficiency. Materials and Methods: This observational study explores the challenges at different steps in patient management within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Through time-motion based study and self-audit measures, potential areas for improvement in various hospital processes were evaluated and baseline-generated data were studied for quality improvement and efficiency optimization. Results: The audit study revealed high variability in pre-anesthetic check-ups and surgical delays. Opportunities for improved coordination among the medical, nursing, and administrative teams were identified, which impacted the efficiency of the discharge process. Additionally, the average waiting time for the surgeries was 47 h, and the length of hospital stay was 11 days, which included all types of patients like trauma, pathology, and cancer. Conclusion: A comprehensive assessment of the patient’s profile and identification of potential obstacles is crucial for enhancing the patient experience and making efficient use of hospital resources. Conducting regular self-audits allows for ongoing monitoring and improvement of hospital operations, ensuring timely care delivery and better patient outcomes.
Tiwari et al. (Thu,) studied this question.