Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 MSc, Industrial Management, Department of Management, Fars Sciences and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
2 Lecturer, Industrial Management, Department of Management, Fars Sciences and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The queue is one of the most complex social systems in which human lives are inevitably associated with the activities of organizations. Due to the characteristics of healthcare organizations and the critical role that planning plays in such organizations, research in this regard can be of great help. This paper was an attempt to demonstrate the role and use of the branches of the operations research discipline in healthcare centers. Methods: The current research was a cross-sectional study conducted on 2614 patients referred to the paraclinic ward of Hafez Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. In order to collect data, the patient code, time of arrival, work start time, serving start and end time were recorded with the help of staff and two assistants at the time of arrival of the patients. Then, modeling and optimization of patient flow were conducted using queues and simulation techniques. The data was analyzed using SPSS software and Input Analyzer Software and the system was simulated using Arena software. Results: The results showed that 30% of the patients no longer wished to be referred back to the center. The findings also revealed that there was a significant difference between the standard waiting time and the time spent in the hospital to recive a service. Among the 6 different scenarios, the mixed scenario reduced waiting time of the first service for sonography patients to 75.04 minutes and for radiology patients to 65.573 minutes. Conclusion: The results showed that the suggested model, in comparison to the current model of health centers, can improve the quality of services and reduce the duration of time patients must wait until receiving the first service.
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