Development of a wait list computer simulation model for elective orthopaedic surgery

M. Dunbar, J.T. Blake, P.T. Vanberkel, L. Molley, A. Hennigar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Data from the wait list management system and hospital databases was used to develop a computer model simulating the resource requirements required during patient flow into, through, and out of orthopaedic surgery for TKR, THR and knee arthroscopy. Results from the simulation model suggested that inpatient beds, rather than operating room time was the constraining resource and an extra twenty-five beds and 30% more OR time would stabilize and subsequently reduce the wait time at the institution. In addition, simulations suggested that pooling surgeon wait lists reduced patient wait time. Simulation models are an effective resource allocation decision-making tool for orthopaedic surgery. To develop and implement a wait list simulation model to analyze the existing system and guide resource allocation decision-making at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. The simulation model suggests an immediate increase in inpatient surgical beds from sixty-six to ninety-one followed by a 30% increase in OR time in thirty months to stabilize and subsequently reduce patient wait times.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-111
Number of pages1
JournalJournal of bone and joint surgery. British volume. Orthopaedic proceedings
Volume90-B
Issue numberSUPP_I
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Event60th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association 2005 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 3 Jun 20055 Jun 2005

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