[Key performance indicators of OR efficiency. Myths and evidence of key performance indicators in OR management].

A variety of different key performance indicators, both for process and financial performance, are used to evaluate OR efficiency. Certain indicators like OR utilization and turnover times seem to become common standard in many hospitals to evaluate OR process performance. Despite the general use and availability of these indicators in OR management, the scientific evidence behind these data is relatively low. These process indicators are strongly influenced by artefacts and depend on planning process, resource allocation and documentation. Direct financial indicators become more important with increasing autonomy of OR management. Besides budgetary compliance the focus is set on the net results of internal transfer pricing systems. By taking part in an internal transfer pricing system, OR management develops from a mere passive cost center to an active shaper of perioperative processes. However, detailed knowledge of the origin of costs and pitfalls of internal transfer pricing systems is crucial. The increased transparency due to the free accessibility of diagnosis-related-groups (DRG) cost breakdown data can help to develop tools for economic analysis of OR efficiency.