Development of an incentive system and steering tool in the operating room management

Abstract

Due to the steady growing demand for surgeries and the declining number of German hospitals, the resource OR capacity is scarce. This paper delivers an approach to utilize the OR in the best possible way, by allocating OR capacity with an incentive system on a tactical basis. Therefore, designated performance indicators are designed. Assembled to the OR-Performance Matrix, they create a reporting tool that is used as basis for assessment. The classic reward function is replaced by a committee composed of representatives of the OR stakeholders to reflect the special circumstances of a hospital. This paper will also deliver a proposal for implementation, considering amount, frequency and forerun of capacity allocation. Furthermore, the paper reflects ethical considerations as well as organizational constraints for the implementation. The input is obtained by a combination of qualitative interviews, empirical data analysis and a literature review. All data and most interview respondents are provided by the case study partner, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.