Discrete event simulation of administrative and medical processes

Abstract

Background: Medical processes are often obstructed by administrative ones. The main issue in administrative processes is uneven workload resulting in an increased possibility of human errors. The system approach assures that medical and administrative processes are integrated. According to research reports and best practices, discrete event simulation is a proper method to implement the system approach. Methods: A detailed analysis of the administrative processes was performed using interviews, UML diagrams and flowcharts. Based on the data gathered from the information system and measurements on the site, the distribution of patient arrivals and service times were modelled. The aim of discrete event simulation models was to replicate the behaviour of the existing system (separate administration) and to simulate the changes proposed (joint administration). Results: Average utilizations of administrative personnel in 100 simulation runs for specific clinical departments are: 83.8 % at the Department of Rheumatology, 61.9 % at the Department of Hypertension, and 47.2 % at the Veteran’s Medical Unit. Should joint administration be applied, the average utilization of administrative personnel would be 74.3 %. Conclusions: Discrete event simulation provedthat joint administration would contribute to a more even workload distribution among administrative personnel, higher quality of service and easier human resource management. The presented approach can be efficiently applied to large-scale systems e.g. organizational changes of processes in Specialist Outpatient Clinics.