Optimization of a university cataract-patient care service in Campinas, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To show the results of operational research techniques applied to the cataract service of a public university hospital in Brazil.


METHODS
Using a heuristic approach for operational research, a study was designed to evaluate, develop solutions, and validate the implemented modifications to optimize service performance.


RESULTS
Following implementation of the solutions and modifications, 24.9% more patients were examined and 39.9% more cataract surgery was performed than during a similar period prior to implementation. Solutions were provided by group discussion among service professionals and based on common sense, possibility of prompt implementation, and the use of available resources and fixed costs.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study show the importance of operational research to a public cataract service wishing to improve its performance with simple and efficient solutions.
Leite Arieta
C E
CE
Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Jos
N K
NK
Carvalho Filho
D M
DM
Ruiz Alves
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D002386:Cataract / Q000628:therapy*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013333:Student Health Services / Q000592:standards*