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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Research on outpatient capacity planning combining lean thinking and integer linear programming

Authors: Li hua, Mu Dongmei, Yang Xinyu, Zhang Xinyue, Wang Shutong, Wang Dongxuan, Peng Hao, Wang Ying

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

The size and cost of outpatient capacity directly affect the operational efficiency of a whole hospital. Many scholars have faced the study of outpatient capacity planning from an operations management perspective.

Objective

The outpatient service is refined, and the quantity allocation problem of each type of outpatient service is modeled as an integer linear programming problem. Thus, doctors’ work efficiency can be improved, patients’ waiting time can be effectively reduced, and patients can be provided with more satisfactory medical services.

Methods

Outpatient service is divided into examination and diagnosis service according to lean thinking. CPLEX is used to solve the integer linear programming problem of outpatient service allocation, and the maximum working time is minimized by constraint solution.

Results

A variety of values are taken for the relevant parameters of the outpatient service, using CPLEX to obtain the minimum and maximum working time corresponding to each situation. Compared with no refinement stratification, the work efficiency of senior doctors has increased by an average of 25%. In comparison, the patient flow of associate senior doctors has increased by an average of 50%.

Conclusion

In this paper, the method of outpatient capacity planning improves the work efficiency of senior doctors and provides outpatient services for more patients in need; At the same time, it indirectly reduces the waiting time of patients receiving outpatient services from senior doctors. And the patient flow of the associate senior doctors is improved, which helps to improve doctors’ technical level and solve the problem of shortage of medical resources.

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Title: Research on outpatient capacity planning combining lean thinking and integer linear programming
Authors: Li hua
Mu Dongmei
Yang Xinyu
Zhang Xinyue
Wang Shutong
Wang Dongxuan
Peng Hao
Wang Ying
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-023-02106-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Research on outpatient capacity planning combining lean thinking and integer linear programming

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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