Prospective Study of Proportions and Causes of Cancellation of Surgical Operations at Jimma University Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia

Background: Cancellation of scheduled surgery is a major quality of health care problem affecting the individual patients, family and the actual health care organization. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, causes and magnitude of cancellation of elective surgical operations and to find the appropriate solutions for better patient management and effective utilization of resources. Methods: A longitudinal study design was conducted at Jimma University Teaching Hospital from February 1, 2014 to June30, 2014. All consecutive scheduled cases (n=1438) to undergo elective surgical procedures were included in the study. Result: A total of 1438 patients were scheduled for elective surgical operations. Of these, 331(23.0%) were cancelled. about 45.6 % male and 54.4 % female ware not operated on the intended day of schedule respectively. General surgery had the highest rate of cancellations 198(23%) followed by orthopedic surgery 78(20%). In appropriate scheduling and unavailability of sterile drapes and lab sheets were the main causes of cancelation. Conclusion and Recommendation: Inappropriate scheduling and unavailability of sterile clothes were the main causes of Cancellation of elective surgical operations in our hospital. Concerned bodies should bring a sustainable change and improvement to prevent unnecessary cancellations and enhance cost effectiveness through communications, careful planning and efficient utilization of the available hospital resources.