Reducing Patient Delays in a Diagnostic Radiology DepartmentAnalysis by Simulation Techniques

摘要

Using computer simulation techniques as a tool the causes of patient delays in a radiology department were analyzed. It was found that increasing personnel will reduce patients' waiting time up to a point, beyond which further increases in personnel will not result in any improvements. It was also shown that available facilities are not the cause of delays either but that the changing of patient scheduling can noticeably reduce patient delays. Methods to develop and implement improved scheduling techniques are discussed.