1. Establish a multidisciplinary and collaborative task-force comprised on surgeons, anesthesiologists, OR management and hospital administration
2. Review the current policies for scheduling cases and managing the block schedule.  Determine what the new policies should be
3. Propose new policies and gain consensus of the Surgical Services Executive Committee (e.g. OR Committee).
4. Meet with a core group of surgeons and anesthesiologists who maintain a vested interest in supporting the “total business” not just “their business”.  Introduce the new policies and elicit ideas and comment
5. Revise the policies, as appropriate, based on the input of the “core” group and publish the final policies
6. Present the new policies to the entire surgical medical staff; invite comment; inform the group when the policies will go into effect.  At least three months lead time is required for the surgeons to adjust office schedules.
7. Present the new policies to surgeons office managers and perioperative staff
8. Continue meeting with surgeons’ offices over the following several months to assure complete and accurate understanding
9. Implement keeping in mind that at least three months is required between the announcement date and implementation date

The complete article on block scheduling can be found in the publication July 2010 issue of OR Manager or at www.ORmanager.com

Southeast Anesthesiology Consultants provides you with the ability to staff your anesthesiology program, and can assist you in improving overall perioperative service efficiencies. By contracting with SAC, you can capitalize on our medical expertise to provide you program development, management, staffing and consulting in the following areas:
• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Quality Initiatives
• Perioperative Services

Learn more about our services at www.seanesthesiology.com