TY - JOUR
T1 - Management of queues in out-patient departments
T2 - the use of computer simulation.
AU - Aharonson-Daniel, L.
AU - Paul, R. J.
AU - Hedley, A. J.
PY - 1996/1/1
Y1 - 1996/1/1
N2 - Notes that patients attending public outpatient departments in Hong Kong spend a long time waiting for a short consultation, that clinics are congested and that both staff and patients are dissatisfied. Points out that experimentation of management changes in a busy clinical environment can be both expensive and difficult. Demonstrates computerized simulation modelling as a potential tool for clarifying processes occurring within such systems, improving clinic operation by suggesting possible answers to problems identified and evaluating the solutions, without interfering with the clinic routine. Adds that solutions can be implemented after they had proved to be successful on the model. Demonstrates some ways in which managers in health care facilities can benefit from the use of computerized simulation modelling. Specifically, shows the effect of changing the duration of consultation and the effect of the application of an appointment system on patients' waiting time.
AB - Notes that patients attending public outpatient departments in Hong Kong spend a long time waiting for a short consultation, that clinics are congested and that both staff and patients are dissatisfied. Points out that experimentation of management changes in a busy clinical environment can be both expensive and difficult. Demonstrates computerized simulation modelling as a potential tool for clarifying processes occurring within such systems, improving clinic operation by suggesting possible answers to problems identified and evaluating the solutions, without interfering with the clinic routine. Adds that solutions can be implemented after they had proved to be successful on the model. Demonstrates some ways in which managers in health care facilities can benefit from the use of computerized simulation modelling. Specifically, shows the effect of changing the duration of consultation and the effect of the application of an appointment system on patients' waiting time.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=18844469354&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/02689239610153212
DO - 10.1108/02689239610153212
M3 - Article
C2 - 10538033
AN - SCOPUS:18844469354
SN - 0268-9235
VL - 10
SP - 50-58, 3
JO - Journal of Management in Medicine
JF - Journal of Management in Medicine
IS - 6
ER -