title: Improving the efficiency of the cardiac catheterization laboratories through understanding the stochastic behavior of the scheduled procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, we sought to analyze the stochastic behavior of Catherization Laboratories (Cath Labs) procedures in our institution. Statistical models may help to improve estimated case durations to support management in the cost-effective use of expensive surgical resources.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analyzed all the procedures performed in the Cath Labs in 2012. The duration of procedures is strictly positive (larger than zero) and has mostly a large minimum duration. Because of the strictly positive character of the Cath Lab procedures, a fit of a lognormal model may be desirable. Having a minimum duration requires an estimate of the threshold (shift) parameter of the lognormal model. Therefore, the 3-parameter lognormal model is interesting. To avoid heterogeneous groups of observations, we tested every group-cardiologist-procedure combination for the normal, 2- and 3-parameter lognormal distribution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of elective and emergency procedures performed was 6,393 (8,186 h). The final analysis included 6,135 procedures (7,779 h). Electrophysiology (intervention) procedures fit the 3-parameter lognormal model 86.1% (80.1%). Using Friedman test statistics, we conclude that the 3-parameter lognormal model is superior to the 2-parameter lognormal model. Furthermore, the 2-parameter lognormal is superior to the normal model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cath Lab procedures are well-modelled by lognormal models. This information helps to improve and to refine Cath Lab schedules and hence their efficient use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Operating Rooms, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands Medical University of Gdansk, Poland. stepaniak@casema.nl.
authors.forename: Pieter S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Stepaniak
authors.forename: Mohamed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Soliman Hamad
authors.forename: Lukas R C
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Dekker
authors.forename: Jacques J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Koolen
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D022062:Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009426:Netherlands; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D013997:Time Factors; D017748:Time Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D057188:Workflow