[Sense and content of care pathways in orthopaedic and trauma surgery].

The aim of the study was to find the best possible methodology to evaluate the perioperative processes in the main diagnosis-related groups in an orthopaedic and trauma centre. A model in five phases was followed to develop the care pathways. Optimization potentials were derived from estimated problems and their origin. Cases of missing objectives led to re-organization and the necessary quality in treatment could be prepared as a new work flow management. The cost-effectiveness of treatment procedures and the costs of processes conditionally led to a change in management. The advantages of the study were increased knowledge of the processes involved in diagnosis and therapy with regard to the evoked costs. So the limited budget became more calculable.