A comprehensive simulation for wait time reduction and capacity planning applied in general surgery.
This paper describes the use of operational research techniques to analyze the wait list for the Division of General Surgery at the Capital District Health Authority in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. A discrete event simulation model was developed to aid capacity planning decisions and to analyze the performance of the division. The analysis examined the consequences of redistributing beds between sites, and achieving standard patient lengths of stay, while contrasting them to current and additional resource options. From the results, multiple independent and combined options for stabilizing and decreasing waits for elective procedures were proposed.
VanBerkel
Peter T
PT
Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box #1000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1W2, Canada.
Blake
John T
JT
D013502:General Surgery / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015276:Health Care Rationing / Q000458:organization & administration; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009313:National Health Programs; D009674:Nova Scotia; D014850:Waiting Lists