Studying the appointment scheduling window considering patient no-show behavior in one public and one private outpatient clinics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Abdoli ◽  
Mostafa Zandieh ◽  
Sajjad Shokouhyar
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Queuing System ◽  
System Capacity ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Effective Parameters ◽  
Queuing Model ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Patient Waiting Time

Purpose This study is carried out in one public and one private health-care centers based on different probabilities of patient’s no-show rate. The present study aims to determine the optimal queuing system capacity so that the expected total cost is minimized. Design/methodology/approach In this study an M/M/1/K queuing model is used for analytical properties of optimal queuing system capacity and appointment window so that total costs of these cases could be minimized. MATLAB software version R2014a is used to code the model. Findings In this paper, the optimal queuing system capacity is determined based on the changes in effective parameters, followed by a sensitivity analysis. Total cost in public center includes the costs of patient waiting time and rejection. However, the total cost in private center includes costs of physician idle time plus costs of public center. At the end, the results for public and private centers are compared to reach a final assessment. Originality/value Today, determining the optimal queuing system capacity is one of the most central concerns of outpatient clinics. The large capacity of the queuing system leads to an increase in the patient’s waiting-time cost, and on the other hand, a small queuing system will increase the cost of patient’s rejection. The approach suggested in this paper attempts to deal with this mentioned concern.

scholarly journals Optimising truck arrival management and number of service gates at container terminals

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chu Cong Minh ◽  
Nguyen Van Noi
Keyword(s):  
Time Slot ◽  
The United States ◽  
Container Terminals ◽  
Queuing Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Container Ports ◽  
Appointment System ◽  
Optimisation Model ◽  
Truck Appointment System

PurposeTruck appointment systems have been applied in critical container ports in the United States due to their potential to improve handling operations. This paper aims to develop a truck appointment system to optimise the total cost experiencing at the entrance of container terminals by managing truck arrivals and the number of service gates satisfying a given level of service.Design/methodology/approachThe approximation of Mt/G/nt queuing model is applied and integrated into a cost optimisation model to identify (1) the number of arrival trucks allowed at each time slot and (2) the number of service gates operating at each time slot that ensure the average waiting time is less than a designated time threshold. The optimisation model is solved by the Genetic Algorithm and tested with a case study. Its effectiveness is identified by comparing the model's outcomes with observed data and other recent studies.FindingsThe results indicate that the developed truck appointment system can provide more than threefold and twofold reductions of the total cost experiencing at the terminal entrance compared to the actual data and results from previous research, respectively.Originality/valueThe proposed approach provides applicably coordinated truck plans and operating service gates efficiently to decrease congestion, emission and expenses.

Development of a Heuristics Model for Simplifying a Multi-Channel Queuing System

2011 ◽  
Vol 367 ◽  
pp. 647-652
Author(s):  
B. Kareem ◽  
A. A. Aderoba
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Channel Model ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Queuing System ◽  
Queuing Model ◽  
Average Waiting Time ◽  
Queuing Models ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Number Of Customers ◽  
Proportionality Principle

Queuing model has been discussed widely in literature. The structures of queuing systems are broadly divided into three namely; single, multi-channel, and mixed. Equations for solving these queuing problems vary in complexity. The most complex of them is the multi-channel queuing problem. A heuristically simplified equation based on relative comparison, using proportionality principle, of the measured effectiveness from the single and multi-channel models seems promising in solving this complex problem. In this study, six different queuing models were used from which five of them are single-channel systems while the balance is multi-channel. Equations for solving these models were identified based on their properties. Queuing models’ performance parameters were measured using relative proportionality principle from which complexity of multi-channel system was transformed to a simple linear relation of the form = . This showed that the performance obtained from single channel model has a linear relationship with corresponding to multi-channel, and is a factor which varies with the structure of queuing system. The model was tested with practical data collected on the arrival and departure of customers from a cocoa processing factory. The performances obtained based on average number of customers on line , average number of customers in the system , average waiting time in line and average waiting time in the system, under certain conditions showed no significant difference between using heuristics and analytical models.

Reducing pharmacy patient waiting time

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 834-844
Author(s):  
Shoaib Alam ◽  
Muhammad Osama ◽  
Faheem Iqbal ◽  
Irfan Sawar
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Waiting Time ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patient Waiting Time ◽  
Patient Waiting

Purpose Pharmacy services start right from prescribing medicines and continue as the medication’s effect is monitored. Hospital and community pharmacy staff promote rational prescribing and medicine use. Consequentially, pharmacy is a complex and busy field. Often there are peak workload hours when patients must wait, which is associated with patient dissatisfaction that may negatively affect patient experience and the organisation’s reputation. The purpose of this paper is to enlist techniques, methods and technological advancements that have been successfully employed to reduce patient waiting time. Design/methodology/approach A database search was conducted in 2017 to locate articles addressing methods and technologies that reduce pharmacy waiting time. The literature revealed various techniques and technologies like queuing theory, tele-pharmacy, evidence-based pharmacy design, automated pharmacy systems (robotics), system modelling and simulation and the Six Sigma method for identifying potential problems associated with increased wait time. Findings The authors conclude that various techniques and methods, including automated queuing technology, tele-pharmacy, automated pharmacy devices/machines for quick and accurate filling and dispensing, computer simulation modelling, evidence-based pharmacy infrastructure for smooth workflow and Six Sigma can maintain customer satisfaction, reduce waiting time, attract new customers, decrease workload and improve the organisation’s reputation. Practical implications The authors conclude that various techniques and methods, including automated queuing technology, tele-pharmacy, automated pharmacy devices/machines for quick and accurate filling and dispensing, computer simulation modelling, evidence-based pharmacy infrastructure for smooth workflow and Six Sigma methodology can maintain customer satisfaction, reduce waiting time, attract new customers, decrease workload and improve the organisation’s reputation. Originality/value The authors carried out a literature search and identified the techniques that have been successfully implemented to reduce pharmacy patient waiting time and methods that can identify potential process behind medication dispensation delays.

scholarly journals Determination of Optimal Number of Servers at Network Queuing Nodes to Reduce Waiting Time in a Tertiary Institution Clinic in Bida, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1631-1639
Author(s):  
I. Muhammad ◽  
L. Adamu
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Current System ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Queuing System ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Queuing Model ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Expected Waiting Time ◽  
System Nodes

In this paper, a network queuing model that determines optimal numbers of servers at the nodes of the school clinic network queuing system to  reduce waiting time of the patients has been presented. The relevant data was collected for a period four weeks, through direct observations and interviews. The number of arrivals and departures were also obtained. The total expected waiting time of the patient in the current system before modification was 50minutes with total number of 10 servers in all the nodes, while the total new expected waiting time of patient in the system after modification was reduced to 19 minutes with total number of 17 servers in all the nodes. The study has determined optimal number of servers at the nodes of the school clinic network system. Results from this study is an important information to the management of the school clinic for proper planning and better service delivery. Keywords: Network Queuing System, Nodes, Servers, School Clinic.

scholarly journals “Without the need for a second visit” initiative improves patient satisfaction with updated services of outpatient clinics in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Shen ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Qiang He ◽  
Haihui Pan ◽  
Zhiqiang Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Outpatient Services ◽  
Patient’S Satisfaction ◽  
Patients Satisfaction ◽  
Patient Waiting Time ◽  
Consultation Time ◽  
Patient Waiting

Abstract Background To implement the “without the need for a second visit” (WNASV) initiative in our hospital by optimizing the outpatient clinic services via an upgraded information system, in order to increase the quality of outpatient medical services and improve patients’ satisfaction. Methods An Internet-based care delivery approach was developed and applied to improve the delivery of health care services, simplify the treatment process, and reduce patient waiting time. The patient waiting time and consultation time in the outpatient clinics of our hospital during the peak service intervals and the proportions of various payment methods for outpatient services during the period from May 2017 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Also, the patients’ satisfaction with the outpatient process was surveyed. Results The waiting time for consultation was shortened from 32.25 min to 28.42 min; the consultation time was shortened from 6.52 min to 3.15 min; and the waiting time for payment decreased from 7.40 min to 4.31 min. The proportion of payment via a counter was reduced from 86.80 to 21.79%, the proportion of self-service payment increased from 9.99 to 16.05%, and the proportion of payment during a consultation increased from 3.21 to 61.91%. The scores of the patients’ satisfaction with the outpatient services increased from an average of 89.10 points in 2017 to an average of 90.26 points in 2019. Conclusion The continuous improvement of the service process markedly increases the efficiency of the outpatient services, and effectively improves patient’s satisfaction with the outpatient process, this initiative thus deserves further application.

A reconfigurable model for implementation in the closing phase of a wind turbines project construction

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 502-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakib Zohrehvandi ◽  
Mario Vanhoucke ◽  
Roya Soltani ◽  
Mehrdad Javadi
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Queuing System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Schedule Model ◽  
Project Construction ◽  
Implementation Time ◽  
Project Closure

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a reconfigurable model that is a combination of a schedule model and a queuing system M/M/m/K to reduce the duration of the wind turbine construction project closure phase and reduce the project documentation waiting time in the queue. Design/methodology/approach This research was implemented in a wind farm project. The schedule model deals with reducing the duration of the turbines closure phase by an activity overlapping technique, and the queuing system deals with reducing the turbine documentation waiting time in the queue, as well as reducing the probability of server idleness during the closure phase. Findings After the implementation of the model, the obtained results were compared to those of similar previously conducted projects in terms of duration, and the model was found effective. Research limitations/implications Project closure is an important and mandatory process in all projects. More often than not, this process is faced with problems including prolonged project duration, disputes, lawsuits, and also in projects like the implementation of wind farms, a queue of documents at closing stage may also cause difficulties in project closure phase. Originality/value The contributions of this research are twofold: first, a combination of project management and queuing system is presented, and second, a reconfigurable model is introduced to enhance the performance and productivity of the closure phase of the project through reducing the implementation time and reducing the turbine documentation waiting time in the queue, as well as reducing the probability of server idleness during the closure phase of the wind farm project.

scholarly journals Minimal cost service rate in priority queuing models for emergency cases in hospitals

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Nse S. Udoh ◽  
Idorenyin A. Etukudo
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Service Rate ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Service Cost ◽  
Queuing Model ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Lower Priority ◽  
Queuing Models ◽  
Optimum Cost ◽  
Expected Waiting Time

Performance measures and waiting time cost for higher priority patients with severe cases over lower priority patients with stable cases using preemptive priority queuing model were obtained. Also, a total expected waiting time cost per unit time for service and the expected service cost per unit time for priority queuing models: M/M/2: ∞/NPP and M/M/2: ∞/PP were respectively formulated and optimized to obtain optimum cost service rate that minimizes the total cost. The results were applied to obtain optimum service rate that minimizes the total cost of providing and waiting for service at the emergency consulting unit of hospital.    

scholarly journals Deskripsi Sistem Antrian pada Klinik Dokter Spesialis Penyakit Dalam

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Deiby T Salaki
Keyword(s):  
Direct Observation ◽  
Waiting Time ◽  
Arrival Rate ◽  
Queuing System ◽  
Queuing Model ◽  
Average Waiting Time ◽  
Number Of Patients

DESKRIPSI SISTEM ANTRIAN PADA KLINIK DOKTER SPESIALIS PENYAKIT DALAM ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui deskripsi sistem antrian pada klinik dokter internist. Pengumpulan data dilakukan secara langsung pada klinik dokter internist JHA selama 12 hari, selama 2 jam waktu pengamatan tiap harinya pada periode sibuk.. Model antrian yang digunakan adalah model (M/M/1) : (FIFO/~/~), tingkat kedatangan bersebaran poisson, waktu pelayanan bersebaran eksponensial, dengan jumlah pelayanan adalah seorang dokter, disiplin antrian yang digunakan adalah pasien yang pertama datang yang pertama dilayani, jumlah pelayanan dalam sistem dan ukuran populasi pada sumber masukan adalah tak berhingga.  Sistem antrian pada klinik ini memiliki kecepatan kedatangan pelayanan anamnesa rata-rata  menit 1 orang pasien datang, kecepatan kedatangan pelayanan pemeriksaan fisik rata-rata  menit 1 orang pasien datang, rata-rata waktu pelayanan anamnesa untuk  seorang pasien  menit, rata-rata waktu pelayanan pemeriksaan fisik untuk  seorang pasien  menit, peluang kesibukan  pelayanan anamnesa sebesar , peluang kesibukan  pelayanan pemeriksaan fisik sebesar , dan peluang pelayanan anamnesa menganggur sebesar , peluang pelayanan pemeriksaan fisik menganggur sebesar . Rata-rata banyaknya pengantri untuk anamnesa adalah  pasien sedangkan untuk pemeriksaan fisik  pasien, rata-rata banyaknya pengantri dalam sistem adalah  pasien, waktu rata-rata seorang pasien dalam klinik adalah  menit, waktu rata-rata seseorang pasien untuk antri adalah  menit. Kata kunci: Sistem Antrian, Klinik Penyakit Dalam  DESCRIPTION OF QUEUING SYSTEM AT THE INTERNIST CLINIC ABSTRACT This research determines the description of queuing system at the internist Clinic. Data collected by direct observation during 12 days and in 2 hours. Queuing model that used is model of (M/M/1): (FIFO /~/~). Based on the research, the clinic has 3.256 minutes per patient in average arrival rate for anamnesys, the average arrival rate for diaagnosys is 3.255 minutes per patient, average service speed for anamnesys is 2.675 minutes per patient, average service speed for diagnosys is 12.635 minutes, the probability of busy periods for anamnesys is 0.864, the probability of busy periods for diagnosys is 0.832 and probability of all free services or no patient in the anamnesys equal to 0.136, probability of all free services or no patient in the anamnesys equal to 0.168. The average number of patients in anamnesys queue is 5 patients, the average number of patients in diagnosys queue is 4 patients, the average number of patients in the system is 10 patients, the average waiting time in the system is 47.078 minutes and the average queuing time is 31.660 minutes. Keywords: Queuing system, internist clinic

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