Efficient surgical care planning in hospital using simulation (case study)

The provision of same day surgery services as a means of cost containment often requires different and additional resources. To build a ‘stand alone’ site at City Hospital, in Akron, Ohio, would have been a costly project representing a duplication of services. Besides, it would be necessary to continue to provide for patient needs and to maintain minimum essential services during any renovation of the present facilities. Patient movement represented a major area of concern with respect to the equipment and staff required to move the patients throughout the sequence of stages for their particular needs. Patient flows and the data concerning the duration of the required services were incorporated into a simulation model which addresses the concerns and questions of administrators. The model pointed to several areas where more effective uses of resources could be achieved and the hospital could thereby increase revenues and reduce costs. The hospital chose to implement the recommendations. As a consequence of using the simulation model’s results, the hospital now provides efficient surgical care on a one day basis.