A simulation approach for reduced outpatient waiting time

Extended waiting time for treatment in National hospitals is very common in Sri Lanka. This situation has created several problems to patients, doctors and even to other health workers. The quality of service leaves a lot to be desired and is costly to the economy. This study analyses different queues which create bottlenecks in the Out Patient Department at national eye hospital in Sri Lanka and critically evaluate several appointment scheduling rules with the help of a simulation model to come up with a solution which minimises the total patient waiting time. Our results shows that total patient waiting time can be reduced more than 60% using proper appointment scheduling system with process improvement.