Operating room utilization: the need for data.

Keeping the OR scheduled to satisfy all the various constituents is a complex dynamic process. The health care environment needs to be carefully analyzed to ensure that the services the OR offers are appropriate. OR utilization is not simply ensuring that the greatest number of cases are done. The cost of doing these cases must be considered and, in order to do so, compromises must be made. Creating information systems that track all aspects of utilization, including costs and revenues, will be vital for the future management of operating rooms.