Operating theatre model for activity monitoring and planning in hospitals

Operating Theatre (OT) is one of the most complex areas within the hospital in terms of activity management and safety control. Although OT activity represents a serious issue in hospital, there is still a lack of guidelines or regulations currently available. On the other hand for post-surgery infections many studies and guidelines have been already provided, especially regarding specific prevention and control measures. Moreover the high cost deriving from the OT management represent a further key which must be precisely monitored for its heavy weight on the hospital economic balance. Hence, the main goal of this paper is to develope a supporting model, which is based on specific performance indicators, able to support health departments. The aim of the model is to monitor and control the main aspects contributing to the efficiency of OT activity. This topic allows hospital decision makers to have a usable and widely accessible tool for planning and simulating possible modifications within the OT organization. Finally, for the tool validation, the dashboard is currently being applied to a real hospital department.