Operating theatres are often described as the engine room of a hospital, yet their workload and complexity seldom enter public discussion.
UMSC’s internal analysis of inpatient surgeries for the year 2022 provides a clearer view of how surgical demand and digital documentation shape the real pressures inside this critical service.
Scheduled Vs Actual Surgical Activity
Based on operating theatre (OT) lists, 3,671 surgeries were scheduled, reflecting an adjusted utilisation rate of 90.1 per cent. At this level, theatres are already operating with minimal buffer.
When cross-checked against financial records by identifying cases where OT-related charges were dropped, the total number of surgeries increased to 4,682.
These additional cases likely include ad-hoc additions and procedures performed in remote locations, such as in vascular labs, paediatric theatres, day care complex, or other procedural spaces.
The difference between scheduled and actual cases shows why integrated tracking systems are essential. Without alignment between OT scheduling, documentation, and financial data, resource planning may be hampered.
A Complex And Evolving Casemix
The analysis also highlighted a casemix dominated by high-complexity procedures. Orthopaedic spine, neurosurgery, and gynaecology accounted for a large share of the workload, many requiring specialised environments such as the Centre for Image Guided and Minimally Invasive Therapy.
Main OT, meanwhile, managed the broadest volume across multiple surgical disciplines. This reflects a shift not only in the number of surgeries performed but the complexity of care demanded by patients compounded further by the centre’s function as a referral centre for cases that require advanced procedures and multiple sub-specialties.
Why Digital Transformation Is Now Unavoidable
A key component of the study involved AI-assisted extraction of clinical data from scanned and handwritten notes. This improved insight into operative times and workflow patterns, but also exposed long-standing gaps: incomplete digitisation, inconsistent documentation formats, and variable availability of scanned folders.
A more integrated digital ecosystem with fully digital OT scheduling, standardised documentation, and interoperability across clinical and financial systems will be crucial for accurate reporting, forecasting, and planning service enhancements.
Preparing For The Future
UMSC’s experience is a microcosm of national trends: rising surgical demand, increasing case complexity, and resource availability.
Strengthening digital workflows and improving visibility of surgical activity will be essential steps toward building a more resilient, predictable, and patient-centred clinical environment.
Dr Sunjeet Singh Sandhu is the manager of clinical affairs and medical services, UM Specialist Centre (UMSC).
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
