Developing a prototype system of computer-aided appointment scheduling: A radiology department case study

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Operations Research
• Radiology

Background:

• Hospital appointment scheduling is complex due to diverse patient needs, examinations, and resources.
• The radiology scheduling problem presents unique challenges with multiple technologists, rooms, and examination types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a computer-aided appointment scheduling system for radiology.
• To address the complexities of scheduling radiological examinations based on patient and resource factors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized stepwise multiple regression analysis (SMRA) to predict examination image quantities.
• Employed K-Means clustering and decision tree classification to categorize patient examination times.
• Integrated patient data including body part, department, gender, and age for scheduling.

Main Results:

• Developed a prototype system capable of creating feasible patient appointment schedules.
• Classified patient examination times into distinct categories based on body parts, departments, and technologists.
• Demonstrated a method for generating efficient schedules considering multiple variables.

Conclusions:

• The proposed system effectively schedules appointments for diverse radiological services.
• Addresses challenges of diversity and uncertainty in radiology scheduling.
• Aims to enhance the overall quality of medical treatment through optimized scheduling.