Maximizing OR utilization: proven strategies for healthcare leaders

Operating rooms (ORs) continue to be among the most valuable and resource-intensive assets within any healthcare facility. Yet, inefficiencies persist, leading to financial losses, clinician burnout, and compromised patient care.[1] For healthcare leaders, the challenge lies not only in improving OR utilization but also in optimizing efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes.

Bridging the OR utilization gap: key challenges & solutions

Many hospitals struggle with underutilized or overbooked resources due to scheduling inefficiencies, case delays, equipment availability, and staffing issues. Even small improvements in OR utilization can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction.[2] [3] The key lies in leveraging technology to provide real-time insights, streamline workflows, and eliminate bottlenecks.

How ACTiQ transforms Perioperative Management

NewCompliance understands the challenges clinical staff face in optimizing OR efficiency. With over 20 years of clinical expertise, our team designed the ACTiQ platform to ease clinician workload, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency. Our comprehensive, interoperable solution provides real-time visibility through interactive dashboards tailored to the most complex surgical environments.

Key Benefits of ACTiQ:

Imagine this: You start your shift as a clinician and immediately have a clear, real-time view of the entire OR schedule. No more chasing down information—one glance at the Progress Dashboard provides all essential details. You instantly see scheduled cases and last-minute changes—all from a centralized, reliable source.

Maximizing OR efficiency: ACTiQ’s additional benefits

As patients arrive in the OR suite, physicians receive automatic notifications, eliminating unnecessary phone calls and manual updates. During surgery, real-time progress tracking ensures transparency and accountability across departments. Seamless EHR integration ensures all relevant data is in one place, reducing miscommunication and conflicts.

Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity are also automatically monitored, with instant alerts if parameters shift—adding another layer of safety.

Once surgery is complete, cleaning services are triggered instantly, eliminating the need to track down turnover staff and saving valuable time. On top of this, ACTiQ delivers powerful analytics on OR optimization, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.

Now, as your shift ends and you prepare for the next day’s cases, traditionally, you’d need to piece together information from multiple sources—EHRs, whiteboards, paper notes, and phone calls. But with ACTiQ, everything you need is accessible within one seamless, interactive platform.

Driving better OR utilization with ACTiQ

Optimizing OR utilization requires more than just technology—it demands a strategic approach tailored to the dynamic needs of surgical teams. ACTiQ is designed by clinicians for clinicians, ensuring that technology works for you, not the other way around.

By implementing the right tools and strategies, healthcare leaders can transform ORs into intelligent, efficient, and patient-centered environments.

Ready to enhance your OR efficiency?

Connect with our experts today to explore how ACTiQ can revolutionize your perioperative workflow.

Felicia Parkman, RN, MSN, NI-BC, CPHIMS | Vice President Client Excellence & Chief Clinician (right)

Aimee McFarlane RN, MSN, CNOR, CST | Clinical Account Specialist (left)

[1] Vladu, A., Ghitea, T. C., Daina, L. G., Țîrț, D. P., & Daina, M. D. (2024). Enhancing Operating Room Efficiency: The Impact of Computational Algorithms on Surgical Scheduling and Team Dynamics. Healthcare (Basel), 12(19), 1906-. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191906

[2] Pasquer, A., Ducarroz, S., Lifante, J.C. et al. Operating room organization and surgical performance: a systematic review. Patient Saf Surg 18, 5 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13037-023-00388-3

[3] Al Amin, M., Baldacci, R. & Kayvanfar, V. A comprehensive review on operating room scheduling and optimization. Oper Res Int J 25, 3 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-024-00884-z