Patient and provider population dynamics analysis in a large dental organization: a tool for management

Health care managers are faced with difficult decisions on a daily basis. Some of those issues involve productivity. Statistical analyses of patient and provider population dynamics offer an important tool with which to base decisions. In this study, two representative clinics out of seven were selected. The patient and provider populations were subjected to the means square successive difference test and a linear regression test. The results differed from management perceptions. Provider decision processes in clinic A were more efficient than those in clinic B. There was no relationship between provider presence and the patient population in both clinics. The patient populations in both clinics displayed random arrivals. Specific recommendations to management from the results of this study include: billeting decisions, appointing process decisions, emergency policies, and the need for a focused marketing plan. There are many useful tools with which to study population dynamics. This is one example.