A decision support simulation model for the management of an elective surgery waiting system

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Operations Research
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The public hospital system faces challenges in efficiently scheduling elective surgery patients.
• Optimizing patient flow and resource allocation is critical for timely surgical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a simulation model for decision support in elective surgery patient scheduling.
• To provide a tool for operational management, performance reporting, and policy evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a simulation model incorporating patient urgency and operation type.
• Categorization of surgical patients based on clinical need and procedure.
• Utilizing the model for operational matching and strategic planning.

Main Results:

• The simulation model effectively supports decision-making for patient scheduling.
• The model facilitates matching hospital availability with patient demand.
• It serves as a tool for evaluating system performance and alternative scheduling policies.

Conclusions:

• Simulation modeling offers a robust approach to enhance elective surgery scheduling.
• The designed model provides a versatile tool for operational and planning purposes.
• Improved scheduling can lead to better resource utilization and patient outcomes.