ORAHS2024
Abstract Submission

203. Optimising Operations in Emergency Departments: A Discrete Event Simulation Approach to Enhancing Quality of Care

Contributed abstract in session TC-1: Poster session, stream Posters.

Tuesday, 14:00-15:30
Room: Auditorium

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Thamer Almohaya
University of Southampton
2. James Batchelor
Clinical Informatics Research Unit, University of Southampton
3. Edilson Arruda
Department of Decision Analytics and Risk, University of Southampton
4. Steffen Bayer
Southampton Business School, University of Southampton

Abstract

The global escalating demands on healthcare systems, coupled with the unpredictability of patient arrivals and the diversity of medical emergencies, underscore the urgent need for innovative operational strategies within emergency departments (EDs). This paper explores the application of a discrete event simulation model to optimise ED operations at University Hospital Southampton, aiming to enhance quality of care by minimising waiting times. Employing a simulation-based optimisation approach, this study calibrates the model using real-life case study data to ensure its accuracy and applicability. The findings predict significant enhancements in emergency department efficiency, providing strategic information that can aid in decision-making and policy formation. These insights aim to support the UK National Health Service (NHS) target for the emergency department, which calls for an average 4-hour patient stay from arrival to discharge, and ensure that this duration remains within reach. Achieving this goal requires a careful approach to analysing bottlenecks, improving patient flow, and identifying the necessary resources. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on applying modelling techniques in healthcare, providing a valuable framework for practitioners and researchers aiming to enhance ED performance through technological innovations.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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