title: Optimizing the patient transport function at Mayo Clinic.
abstract: In this article, we report on the implementation of a computerized scheduling tool to optimize staffing for patient transport at the Mayo Clinic. The tool was developed and implemented in Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic for Applications and includes an easy-to-use interface. The tool allows transport management to consider the trade-offs between patient waiting time and staffing levels. While improved staffing efficiency was a desire of the project, it was important that patient service quality was also maintained. The results show that staffing could be reduced while maintaining historical patient service levels.
authors.affiliation: Division of Systems and Procedures, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Dustin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kuchera
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Rohleder
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists