ORAHS2024
Abstract Submission

200. Improving Patient Scheduling: A Case Study from a Mammography Department.

Contributed abstract in session TB-4: Modeling and Simulation /1, stream Regular talks.

Tuesday, 11:00-12:30
Room: Room S3

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Marie Petit
FEB, KU Leuven
2. Erik Demeulemeester
KBI, KU Leuven

Abstract

This study originates from a practical case analysis conducted within the mammography department of the University Hospital of Leuven (UZ Leuven). The process typically begins with the majority of patients undergoing either mammography or echography, followed by additional examinations based on initial findings. Historically, the department did not account for the examination types and the diverse patient profiles while planning appointments, as these were not predetermined. Consequently, the current scheduling approach involves random allocation of appointments per hour, with a higher concentration of patients scheduled at the beginning of morning and afternoon sessions, resulting in prolonged and uncomfortable waiting times for patients.
The primary objective of this study is to devise a coherent scheduling system for the mammography department that achieves a balanced workload distribution among staff members while minimizing direct patient waiting times. To accomplish this, various scheduling scenarios are evaluated using simulation modeling. Based on collected data, predictions about the different types of patients are made and used to improve patient scheduling. Results demonstrate significant reductions in direct waiting times and improvements in workload distribution.

Keywords

Status: accepted

Back to the list of papers