Purpose In order to provide access to care in a timely manner, it is necessary to effectively manage the allocation of limited resources. such as beds. Bed management is a key to the effective delivery of high quality and low-cost healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to develop a discrete event simulation to assist in planning and staff scheduling decisions. Design/methodology/approach A discrete event simulation model was developed for a hospital system to analyze admissions, patient transfer, length of stay (LOS), waiting time and queue time. The hospital system contained 50 beds and four departments. The data used to construct the model were from five years of patient records and contained information on 23,019 patients. Each department’s performance measures were taken into consideration separately to understand and quantify the behavior of departments individually, and the hospital system as a whole. Several scenarios were analyzed to determine the impact on reducing the number of patients waiting in queue, waiting time and LOS of patients. Findings Using the simulation model, it was determined that reducing the bed turnover time by 1 h resulted in a statistically significant reduction in patient wait time in queue. Further, reducing the average LOS by 10 h results in statistically significant reductions in the average patient wait time and average patient queue. A comparative analysis of department also showed considerable improvements in average wait time, average number of patients in queue and average LOS with the addition of two beds. Originality/value This research highlights the applicability of simulation in healthcare. Through data that are often readily available in bed management tracking systems, the operational behavior of a hospital can be modeled, which enables hospital management to test the impact of changes without cost and risk.
A typical Autonomous Ground Robotic Vehicle (AGRV) uses a combination of sensors to monitor movements and the surrounding environment. Placing multiple sensors on an AGRV may allow for complexity in sensor data, but far more important is integration of the information from these multiple sensors to perform a given task optimally. One popular choice of sensors includes a Laser Measurement System (LMS) and a vision system. Good examples of robots using LMS and vision are vehicles entering the annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) and competing in the 2005 Grand Challenge sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This paper focuses on one method of integrating non-stereoscopic vision (camcorder) information with laser distance measurements. First, background information on one such AGRV mechanical structure and a sensor suite is provided. This platform allows testing of algorithms using real hardware. The paper also explains the AGRV processes and image management. The core presentation concerns the method used for integrating LMS with vision. Once integrated, LMS and vision act as one set of data with one format, yet the method exploits all the information available from both. Finally, the paper illustrates one way to use this processed information for finding paths through a field of obstacles and road edges. AGRV PLATFORMThe Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART) at Bluefield State College designed and built an AGRV the students called "V2". Being a little larger than an electric wheelchair and weighing slightly less than 300 pounds, the vehicle has a control system that gives the robot superb maneuverability. A full suite of sensors allow the robot to sense many aspects about its environment. The particular sensor suite for the AGRV allows algorithms to mimic human decision making. Therefore, our vehicle provides an excellent platform for studying various autonomous algorithms such as the ones presented in this paper. This section will present the hardware design of for the vehicle in three parts: the mechanical system, the electrical system, and other design concerns. Mechanical SystemThe overall mechanical design focuses on simplicity, durability, compactness, maintainability, and most importantly, safety. The vehicle is designed to operate and navigate safely in both indoor and outdoor environments. This small and versatile design provides the opportunity to test and develop the human-like system on a fully functional platform. The mechanical design can be divided into three separate categories:Page 10.52. Vehicle FrameThe vehicle frame is constructed of steel tubing. Steel tubing was chosen due to its light weight, durability, and ability to house wiring. The tubing acts as a conduit to conceal and organize connections as well as to shield vulnerable lines from RF noise. The rectangular design allows the frame to be strong while creating a protective carriage that houses the batteries, chargers, and other various components. Drive SystemOur ARGV u...
This paper highlights the work at Bluefield State College (BSC) in developing a web-based baccalaureate degree program option (B.S.) in Civil Engineering Technology (CIET) that remains TAC of ABET accredited. Capitalizing on the initial success of our web-delivered courses in the School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science (SETCS) through its Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART), this work describes the research process used to measure our capability to provide an online version of our program. Mid-career professionals interested in completing degree requirements without having to attend on-campus classes represent a new student target for our civil engineering technology program. Quality assurance is paramount. The paper addresses the development of this new delivery method. The curriculum is designed to operate in an interactive web-based environment for submission of coursework, concept diagrams, drawings, reports, and assorted forms. Class discussions, conferencing, forums and real-time project reviews will utilize current "chat-room" technology and newly emerging conference software applications. Testing opportunities will be devised through models similarly employed by Sylvan Learning Centers and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) allowing online vignettes and projects. The research will help determine the extent and volume that portfolio materials will be allowed to be used as submissions for program requirements. The research will analyze the hardware needs required by the institution for customers. Cost analysis will relate to delivery of the program, individual courses, and impacts on faculty resources. Research will examine development of marketing strategies and propose market pricing for tuition and fees required by the program.
This paper highlights the work at a Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART) at a small college to develop a web-based miner safety course in our Mining Engineering Technology (MIET) program that continues to meet the quality standards in the industry. Capitalizing on the initial success of our web-delivered courses in the School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science (SET) delivered through the CART Course Management System (CMS), this work describes the research process used to measure our capability to provide an online version of this training. Mid-career professionals interested in completing certification requirements without having to attend on-campus classes represent a new program target. The program will continue to conform to our curriculum requirements ensuring the quality of any on-line MIET courses. The paper will address the development of this new delivery method. The curriculum will be designed to operate in an interactive web-based environment for submission of coursework; concept diagrams, drawings, reports, and assorted forms. Class discussions, conferencing, forums and real-time project reviews will utilize current "chat-room" technology and newly emerging conference software applications. Testing opportunities will be devised through models similarly employed by our own CART CMS allowing online mine site vignettes and projects. Finally, the research will analyze the hardware needs required by the institution for the delivery of the program and by students taking the individual courses. Cost analysis will include the cost of delivery of the program, individual courses, and impacts on faculty resources. Research will examine development of marketing strategies and propose market pricing for tuition and fees required by the program.
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