Nurse-Guided Block Scheduling in the University of Michigan Department of Oral Surgery

Scheduling for ambulatory care procedures in a medical facility can be a complex and labor-intensive process. The choice of scheduling methods and resource allocation significantly impacts patient access, wait times, and overall departmental performance. In this poster, we present the implementation of nurse-guided block scheduling in the University of Michigan Department of Oral Surgery. This approach was designed to enhance scheduling efficiency and reduce the backlog of patients awaiting procedures.
The initiative began in April 2024 when two registered nurses assessed existing scheduling practices and identified gaps in procedure availability. They collected data on current wait times and scheduling inefficiencies, then collaborated with key stakeholders to present their block scheduling plan. The resulting buy-in from the team allowed for a successful transition to this new standard.
From April to October 2024, the application of nurse-guided block scheduling led to a 114% increase in procedure availability, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing patient wait times. This initiative underscores the vital role of nursing leadership in optimizing scheduling processes and enhancing patient care. Future efforts will focus on ongoing evaluation and refinement of the scheduling system to sustain these positive outcomes.