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Small Changes in Patient Arrival and Consultation Times Have Large Effects on Patients' Waiting Times: Simulation
Matthias Grot1, Simon Kugai2, Lukas Degen2
1Institute of Management, Operations Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 11, 2023
Summary
Optimizing general practice workflows requires managing patient arrivals and consultation times. Reducing these times significantly decreases patient waiting times, improving overall practice efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Operational Research
- Healthcare Management
- Simulation Modeling
Background:
- General practices face daily workflow challenges impacting patient flow.
- Achieving smooth work processes and efficient patient journeys is difficult.
- This study applies operational research to analyze workflow dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the effects of patient arrival and consultation times on waiting times in general practices.
- To provide insights into improving workflow efficiency.
- To enhance family physicians' awareness of workflow optimization strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized stochastic simulations to model complex general practice workflows.
- Applied classical queuing theory principles.
- Analyzed key factors: patient arrivals, queuing discipline, and physician consultation times.
Main Results:
- Random patient arrivals and consultation times led to maximum waiting times exceeding 200 minutes.
- Compared to scheduled arrivals, random arrivals increased average waiting times by up to 30 minutes.
- Intervention strategies reducing consultation time yielded substantial reductions in waiting times.
Conclusions:
- Strategies addressing consultation times and patient arrival patterns can significantly improve general practice workflows.
- Simulation modeling offers valuable insights for optimizing healthcare delivery.
- Enhanced awareness of workflow strategies can benefit family physicians and patient care.
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