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Using Simulation to Model Improvements in Pediatric Bed Placement in an Acute Care Hospital
Judith Lambton1, Theresa Roeder, Robert Saltzman
1Author Affiliations: Professor Emerita, School of Nursing, University of San Francisco (Dr Lambton); and Associate Professor (Dr Roeder) and Professor (Dr Saltzman), Department of Decision Sciences, San Francisco State University, California; and Magnet Coordinator, Center for Professional Development and Practice Children's Minnesota (Ms Param), and Chief Nursing Officer (Ms Fernandes), Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Implementing a discharge holding area (DHA) and private rooms can significantly improve patient flow and revenue in pediatric hospital units. These strategies help ease census strains and enhance operational efficiency for better patient care.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Pediatric Hospital Operations
- Simulation Modeling
Background:
- Pediatric units face financial challenges due to staffing and equipment costs, often conflicting with the need to provide care.
- High patient volumes can strain resources in pediatric hospitals, impacting both patient care and financial viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze strategies for improving patient flow in pediatric hospitals using simulation technology.
- To evaluate the impact of a discharge holding area (DHA) and private rooms on pediatric unit operations.
Main Methods:
- Discrete event simulation was employed to model current pediatric unit operations.
- Cost analysis was performed using simulation data, incorporating varying percentages of patients utilizing a DHA and private rooms.
Main Results:
- The simulation indicated that both the implementation of a DHA and the use of private rooms led to increased patient volumes.
- These strategies demonstrated a positive impact on the capacity and throughput of the pediatric unit.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric hospital administrators should consider adopting a DHA and/or private rooms to alleviate census pressures.
- Implementing these strategies can enhance revenue generation and improve the overall financial sustainability of pediatric units.
