Protocols for distribution of new operating room block time

Critical resources such as operating room block time must be distributed in a fair and transparent manner, but must also provide the maximum yield for the institution. Most often the allocation, monitoring, and redistribution of operating room (OR) block time occurs with existing resources only. When new OR's come on-line, allocation of this new space must be performed in a careful and deliberate manner. We present our recent experience in three scenarios in which novel OR space became available, and the processes we used to distribute that new block time. The steps in the process are outlined in detail, and sample data metrics are reviewed which were, in part, used to determine this allocation. We believe that our recent experience delineates a method with which to allocate newly available OR block time in the most fair and transparent manner possible, providing maximum benefit to the institution, health care providers, and their patients.