Queueing theory techniques and its real applications to health care systems – Outpatient visits

Peter, Peter O.; Sivasamy, R.

doi:10.1080/20479700.2019.1616890

Cited by 21 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…A number of different modelling techniques have been used by researchers to evaluate existing queue systems, where discrete-event simulation (Harper and Gamlin, 2003; Anderson et al , 2015; Viana et al , 2020; Perez et al , 2020) and queuing models (Brahimi and Worthington, 1991; Peter and Sivasamy, 2019; Jiang et al ., 2019) are among the most commonly utilized, as well as predictive models (Kortbeek et al ., 2015) and optimization models (Wang et al , 2020; Luo et al ., 2019). The current study employs the specialized efficiency technique of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to develop a model for queue assessment presenting a novel application of this modelling tool and providing evidence of its effectiveness with regard to queue management.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An optimized queue management system to improve patient flow in the absence of appointment system

Safdar

Emrouznejad

Dey

2020

IJHCQA

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PurposeThe aim of this research study is to develop a queue assessment model to evaluate the inflow of walk-in outpatients in a busy public hospital of an emerging economy, in the absence of appointment systems, and construct a dynamic framework dedicated towards the practical implementation of the proposed model, for continuous monitoring of the queue system.Design/methodology/approachThe current study utilizes data envelopment analysis (DEA) to develop a combined queuing–DEA model as applied to evaluate the wait times of patients, within different stages of the outpatients' department at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Lahore, Pakistan, over a period of seven weeks (23rd April to 28th May 2014). The number of doctors/personnel and consultation time were considered as outputs, where consultation time was the non-discretionary output. The two inputs were wait time and length of queue. Additionally, VBA programming in Excel has been utilized to develop the dynamic framework for continuous queue monitoring.FindingsThe inadequate availability of personnel was observed as the critical issue for long wait times, along with overcrowding and variable arrival pattern of walk-in patients. The DEA model displayed the “required” number of personnel, corresponding to different wait times, indicating queue build-up.Originality/valueThe current study develops a queue evaluation model for a busy outpatients' department in a public hospital, where “all” patients are walk-in and no appointment systems. This model provides vital information in the form of “required” number of personnel which allows the administrators to control the queue pre-emptively minimizing wait times, with optimal yet dynamic staff allocation. Additionally, the dynamic framework specifically targets practical implementation in resource-poor public hospitals of emerging economies for continuous queue monitoring.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An optimized queue management system to improve patient flow in the absence of appointment system

Safdar

Emrouznejad

Dey

2020

IJHCQA

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“…Monte Carlo simulation method was found efficient to investigate the probability of complications among intensive care unit patients and also the cost associated. Peter and Sivasamy [16] evaluated queueing models with applications in healthcare, highlighting their role in identifying service improvements. The study also demonstrated the application of queueing model to empirical data collected in a health facility in Botswana.…”

Section: Review Of Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Optimizing Patient Waiting Time in the Outpatient Department of a Multi-specialty Indian Hospital: The Role of Technology Adoption and Queue-Based Monte Carlo Simulation

Rema

Sikdar²

2021

SN COMPUT. SCI.

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Overcrowding in outpatient department of hospitals has created the need for analyzing patient flow for enabling better patient outcomes. Managing queues and minimizing delays will increase patient satisfaction and render better outcomes for both the patient and the hospital. Digitization has led to adoption of technology, although in its nascent stage of implementation across many hospitals in the country. In addition to technological intervention, a quantitative approach to managing patient queues will improve the operational efficiency. In this study, observation data pertaining to time stamps of patient arrivals, service duration and departure were recorded for patients consulting a specialist in the OPD unit. A questionnaire was also administered to staff in the OPD unit through a snowball sampling technique to understand their perception of technological practices adopted in that unit. Further, Monte Carlo simulation technique has been applied to analyze queueing patterns and key performance indicators have been computed to enable the hospital manage patient flow, adopt practices to optimize delays and thereby enhance service operational efficiency.

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“…Therefore, queuing theory is concerned with the mathematical formulation and research of waiting lines that deal with the simulation and analysis of processes that meet random demands. Peter and Sivasamy (2019). The theory of queuing is key to this study as it aligns with the reliability of the automated queue management system.…”

Section: Theoretical Underpinnings 221 Queue Management Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

Automated Queuing System on Performance of Selected State-Owned Commercial Entities in Kenya: A Conceptual Paper

Kegoro

Ochieng

2021

Int. J. Res. Granthaalayah

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Despite the vital role of automated queuing system on organizational performance from human resource management literature, researchers have paid little attention on state-owned commercial entities and more specifically in Kenya. Studies have revealed controversial findings on the link between automated queuing system and organizational performance thus the need for further studies to bridge the knowledge gaps. The general objective of this study will be to examine the influence of automated queuing system on performance of selected state-owned commercial entities in Kenya. Three specific objectives will be examined. The first objective will be to determine the extent of adoption of automated queuing systems in the selected State-owned entities in Kenya. The second objective will be to establish the influence of automated queuing systems on performance of selected State-owned entities in Kenya. The third objective will be to assess the challenges experienced by selected State-owned entities in Kenya when implementing automated queuing system policies and the fourth objective will be to ascertain ways of mitigating the challenges of implementing automated queuing system policies in State-owned entities in Kenya. This study will be informed by Queue management theory and technology acceptance theory. Exploratory research design will be utilized in this study. Desktop research analysis will be adopted. Published materials including peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, theses and reports relevant with the topic of the current study will be reviewed. Findings, conclusions and recommendations of this study will be derived from findings of previous empirical studies. Recommendations will be made in accordance with recommended protocols and guidelines of statistical literature. Further research will be recommended in other areas using different methodologies to facilitate collaboration of the results.

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Queueing theory techniques and its real applications to health care systems – Outpatient visits

Cited by 21 publications

References 10 publications

An optimized queue management system to improve patient flow in the absence of appointment system

An optimized queue management system to improve patient flow in the absence of appointment system

Optimizing Patient Waiting Time in the Outpatient Department of a Multi-specialty Indian Hospital: The Role of Technology Adoption and Queue-Based Monte Carlo Simulation

Automated Queuing System on Performance of Selected State-Owned Commercial Entities in Kenya: A Conceptual Paper

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