[Evaluation of anesthetic activity in the operating room. Use of beta relative cost index]

To evaluate the anaesthetic activity in the operating rooms using the newly reconstructed RCI beta, or relative cost index beta, a specific tool for analysis of anaesthetic activity and the linked cost.

Prospective multicentric survey.

All scheduled anaesthetic procedures performed in March 1995 were collected. RCI beta items were entered in a standardized data base. Gender, age group, time of admission to the operating room, time of incision, time of exit from the operating room, and the code number of the surgical or radiological procedure were added on request of the steering committee.

Complete responses were obtained from 35 out of the 37 contacted departments. A total of 31,391 procedures were analysed. Only 14% of patients were of ASA class over 2. Anaesthetic practices were comparable between institutions. Only the incidence of special circumstances and techniques was higher in University hospitals. General anaesthesia was the most widely used technique (76.58%). A large proportion (19%) of anaesthetics were given for endoscopy and radiology. More than 87% of patients were monitored postoperatively in recovery areas. There was a lower correlation between the theoretical standard duration and median actual duration of the perioperative period than the operative period (r = 0.54 vs r = 0.81).

Part of our activity could be described with RCI beta. The obtained data allow a comparison of anaesthetic activity in the operating rooms of different hospitals, departments and units. Further analysis of these data will also provide information about the types of surgical procedures and the level of global activity.