Perioperative flow and resource allocation Preface Introduction The different elements of the perioperative pathway The pre interventional period Preoperative risk stratification and identification of high risk patients The optimal timing of surgical interventions Standardised and individualised perioperative patient pathways Optimisation preparation and lifestyle changes during the preop period Communication of benefits and risks of an intervention and informed consent The interventional period Standardised communication in the operating room Flow management in the Operating Room Area Variability in patient flow and its impact on postoperative care Flow management outside of the Operating Room Area Discharge from the interventional area The post interventional period Admission to and discharge from the post anaesthesia care unit Admission to and discharge from the intermediate or intensive care unit Continuous improvement of perioperative care Adaptation to changes in patient population The impact of information technology on health care delivery Transparency and continuous improvement Resource Allocation The optimal health care delivery chain The optimal cost to performance ratio The optimal patient to staff ratio in postoperative structures Conclusions Perioperative flow and resource allocation Perioperative flow and resource allocation Preface Perioperative flow and resource allocation Preface Introduction The different elements of the perioperative pathway The pre interventional period Preoperative risk stratification and identification of high risk patients The optimal timing of surgical interventions Standardised and individualised perioperative patient pathways Optimisation preparation and lifestyle changes during the preop period Communication of benefits and risks of an intervention and informed consent The interventional period Standardised communication in the operating room Flow management in the Operating Room Area Variability in patient flow and its impact on postoperative care Flow management outside of the Operating Room Area Discharge from the interventional area The post interventional period Admission to and discharge from the post anaesthesia care unit Admission to and discharge from the intermediate or intensive care unit Continuous improvement of perioperative care Adaptation to changes in patient population The impact of information technology on health care delivery Transparency and continuous improvement Resource Allocation The optimal health care delivery chain The optimal cost to performance ratio The optimal patient to staff ratio in postoperative structures Conclusions Perioperative flow and resource allocation