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Using simulation modeling to improve patient flow at an outpatient orthopedic clinic

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Abstract

We report on the use of discrete event simulation modeling to support process improvements at an orthopedic outpatient clinic. The clinic was effective in treating patients, but waiting time and congestion in the clinic created patient dissatisfaction and staff morale issues. The modeling helped to identify improvement alternatives including optimized staffing levels, better patient scheduling, and an emphasis on staff arriving promptly. Quantitative results from the modeling provided motivation to implement the improvements. Statistical analysis of data taken before and after the implementation indicate that waiting time measures were significantly improved and overall patient time in the clinic was reduced.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the following individuals for their assistance with this research: Taurean Berger, Andrew Hartman, Megan Macadam, and Nolan Sontag. We also thank Bev Campbell and the staff of the Orthopaedic Clinic at the Foothills Medical Center. The third author's research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada under Grant No. 239153-05.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Thomas R. Rohleder

  2. University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Peter Lewkonia & Paul Duffy

  3. Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Diane P. Bischak & Rosa Hendijani

Authors
  1. Thomas R. Rohleder
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  2. Peter Lewkonia
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  3. Diane P. Bischak
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  4. Paul Duffy
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  5. Rosa Hendijani
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Correspondence to Thomas R. Rohleder.

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Rohleder, T.R., Lewkonia, P., Bischak, D.P. et al. Using simulation modeling to improve patient flow at an outpatient orthopedic clinic. Health Care Manag Sci 14, 135–145 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10729-010-9145-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10729-010-9145-4

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