An operating theater is generally shared between several surgical disciplines. Through better understanding the nature of these procedures it may be possible to increase the patient throughput.<ref>[[J.{{cite journal |author1=John J. Forbus and D.|author2=Daniel Berleant]], [https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling3040027 |title=Discrete-Event Simulation in Healthcare Settings: A Review],''Modelling,| doi=10.3390/modelling3040027 |volume=3(4),''Oct. 2022,|journal=Modelling |pages=417-433.|year=2022 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Example: If a heart surgery takes on average four hours, changing an operating room schedule from eight available hours to nine will not increase patient throughput. On the other hand, if a hernia procedure takes on average twenty minutes providing an extra hour may also not yield any increased throughput if the capacity and average time spent in the recovery room is not considered.
Example: If a heart surgery takes on average four hours, changing an operating room schedule from eight available hours to nine will not increase patient throughput. On the other hand, if a hernia procedure takes on average twenty minutes providing an extra hour may also not yield any increased throughput if the capacity and average time spent in the recovery room is not considered.
