An examination of the literature surrounding leadership and change management to implement a Golden Theatre Initiative: Reducing inefficiencies within a neurosurgical operating department.

Abstract

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, National Health Service trusts nationwide are faced with a significant backlog of patients to clear, furthering the strain on the National Health Service. In an era where sustainability and efficient management of National Health Services is of paramount importance, the introduction of a Golden Theatre Initiative could alleviate day-to-day pressures and assist in the smooth running of a modern-day theatre department. Preoperative burdens on patients can be both physical and psychological, resulting in fears and anxiety surrounding the unknown. It is not uncommon for elective procedures to be cancelled last minute due to pressures; however, this can hugely impact the willingness of a patient to comply in the future, with a potential adverse effect on their health. Cost-effectiveness, reduction on waiting lists and overall negative patient impact, in addition to an improvement on first case start times following the introduction of the Golden Patient Initiative, have been observed nationally. It is believed with the introduction of a Golden Theatre Initiative; these improvements could greatly change the current running of elective waiting lists nationally.