Using Simulation to Examine the Effect of Physician Heterogeneity on the Operational Efficiency of an Overcrowded Hospital Emergency Department

摘要: In this paper, we present a case study of modelling and analyzing the patient flow hospital emergency department in Hong Kong. The is facing challenge overcrowding patients there usually experience long waiting time. Our project team was requested by senior consultant to analyze provide decision support tool help improve their operations. We adopt simulation approach mimic daily With model, conduct computational examine effect physician heterogeneity on performance. found that has great impact operational efficiency thus should be considered when developing models. results show that, with same average service rates among physicians, variation can situation. This suggests departments may consider having some efficient physicians speed up overall rate return for more time who need extra medical care.