Hospital Management Strategy in Minimizing Surgery Delays at Tabanan Hospital

Abstract

Surgical delays represent a major challenge in hospital services, potentially leading to negative impacts on patients' medical conditions, operational efficiency, as well as patient and staff satisfaction. This study aims to identify and analyze hospital management strategies to minimize surgical delays at Tabanan Regional Public Hospital (RSUD Tabanan). A qualitative method with a descriptive approach was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six informants, including a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a nurse, a patient, a patient's family member, and hospital management. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The findings revealed four primary factors contributing to surgical delays at RSUD Tabanan: (1) Medical conditions, such as unstable blood pressure, uncontrolled blood glucose levels, and infections; (2) Logistical and administrative issues, including limited operating room availability due to equipment malfunction and infrastructure problems; (3) Patient-related factors, such as lack of understanding regarding the surgical schedule; and (4) Medical team factors, including a lack of commitment to the surgical schedule and a shortage of nursing staff. Strategies proposed to address these issues include: (1) improving preoperative medical condition monitoring, (2) upgrading infrastructure and conducting routine maintenance of medical equipment, (3) implementing a digital information system to provide more accurate surgical schedules to patients, and (4) strengthening coordination and discipline among the medical team through a reward and punishment policy related to schedule adherence.