Quantitative Analysis of the Demand for Healthcare Services

Abstract

In order to provide the best possible healthcare, managers need effective methods for decision making, as well as effective methods for management and improvement of a healthcare organization. Analysis of the demand is one of the key issues in healthcare organizations in that provides a reliable basis for efficient planning of future activities, of necessary material and financial and human resources. The main aim of this paper is to present the practical implementation of various quantitative methods in order to improve planning and organization of ambulance stations in Serbia. The results of detailed statistical analyses show that demand for emergency medical services follows some hourly, daily and monthly patterns. Observed regularities of the demand should be incorporated in operational, tactical and strategic plans of healthcare organizations in order to improve efficiency and achieve optimal allocation of scarce resources.