Optimization analysis of patient waiting time and resource utilization in an OB/GYN clinic - A simulation approach.

摘要

Health care providers have faced ever-increasing pressure to deliver quality and efficient service while facing rising cost. One major measure for the quality of service is patient waiting time. Long waiting times for treatment has been a common complaint by patients and continues to occur even though appointment systems are implemented in most of the clinics. West Little Rock (WLR) Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) clinic, affiliated to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), is interested in finding ways to reduce patient waiting time. Therefore, the purposes of this study are to develop a simulation model for the existing clinic; to validate model by using actual data; and to conduct "what-if" scenario analysis to propose an optimal utilization of human resources while reducing patient waiting time. We collected two months of patient data from 6/1/12 to 7/31/12 that represents the operations of WLR OB/GYN clinic. Using the validated simulation model, 16 "what-if" scenarios were carried out to identify suitable parameter values to reduce patient waiting time. We proposed three improved scenarios for each MD on each working day.