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A comprehensive simulation for wait time reduction and capacity planning applied in general surgery

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Abstract

This paper describes the use of operational research techniques to analyze the wait list for the Division of General Surgery at the Capital District Health Authority in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. A discrete event simulation model was developed to aid capacity planning decisions and to analyze the performance of the division. The analysis examined the consequences of redistributing beds between sites, and achieving standard patient lengths of stay, while contrasting them to current and additional resource options. From the results, multiple independent and combined options for stabilizing and decreasing waits for elective procedures were proposed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box #1000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 1W2, Canada

    Peter T. VanBerkel & John T. Blake

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  1. Peter T. VanBerkel
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  2. John T. Blake
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Correspondence to John T. Blake.

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VanBerkel, P.T., Blake, J.T. A comprehensive simulation for wait time reduction and capacity planning applied in general surgery. Health Care Manage Sci 10, 373–385 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10729-007-9035-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10729-007-9035-6

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