Title :
The use of simulation for process improvement in a cancer treatment center
Author :
Sepúlveda, José A. ; Thompson, William J. ; Baesler, Felipe F. ; Alvarez, Maria I. ; Cahoon, Lonnie E., III
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Ind. Eng. & Manage. Syst., Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
Abstract :
This work addresses experience with a simulation model of a full service cancer treatment center. The objective was to analyze patient flow throughout the unit, evaluate the impact of alternative floor layouts, using different scheduling options and to analyze resources and patient flow requirements of a new building. The simulation model provided strong justification to relocate the center´s laboratory and pharmacy as well as identifying changes in scheduling procedures that would allow a 30% increase in patient throughput with the same resources. The new building analysis identified a waiting room area that was too small for the increased patient flow
Keywords :
cancer; digital simulation; medical administrative data processing; resource allocation; scheduling; alternative floor layouts; building analysis; cancer treatment center; patient flow; patient flow requirements; patient throughput; pharmacy; process improvement; resource analysis; scheduling options; scheduling procedures; simulation model; waiting room area; Cancer; Engineering management; Floors; Hospitals; Industrial engineering; Job shop scheduling; Laboratories; Medical treatment; Oncology; Throughput;
Conference_Titel :
Simulation Conference Proceedings, 1999 Winter
Conference_Location :
Phoenix, AZ
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-5780-9
DOI :
10.1109/WSC.1999.816890
