Computer simulation of patient flow in obstetrical/gynecology clinics

Abstract

Management's plan to combine two clinics is analyzed by com puter simulation based upon present patient flow data and specific planned operational changes. The specific areas ex amined or tested are provider staff size/ratio, effect of new pro vider type, facility size/composition requirement, patient sched uling methodology, personnel utilization, staff arrival/departure effects, patient waiting time, and direct labor unit costs. Pro cedure duration and patient arrival time are gathered using log sheets for 2,000 patients; direct observation supplements logged data loss. The simulation system is GPSS. Model results con tribute substantially to all eight target areas. The planned com bining of the two clinics is postponed until adequate space is available.

Keywords

administration ambulatory care facilities,decision-making hospital organization out patient clinics simulation

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