RESEARCH QUESTION:
How can computerized simulation modeling be utilized to predict and improve workflows and clinical operations while reducing waste and costs? Study Subject = Health Central Hospital
SCOPE OF STUDY:
- Vision and Goals
- $25 Mil Total Project Cost
- Speed to Market
- Efficient Planning Is Key
- Flexibility
- Maintain Aesthetic
- Interviews and Tours
- Data Acquisition and Analysis
- Space Programming
- Clinical Flow Mapping
- Simulation Modeling
- Conceptual Design
- Mock-Ups
RESULTS:
- 52 treatment bays are needed if a fast track area of 8 bays and a flex track of 8 bays are incorporated. Original study reported 56 bays were needed costing an additional $400,000 initially + $1,200,000 over its life.
- The triage process (primarily ESI 3 patients) needs improvement. Re-routing 10% of the lower acuity patients will result in an increased throughput of upwards of 20% with less bays needed.
- A lack of patient rooms causes the ED to back up. Initial analysis showed 79 rooms would be needed. Further study showed many patients shouldn’t have been admitted, only observed. A 16-room observation unit would decrease the need of additional beds to 40.
- At 750 sf per bed, each bed costs $240,000 to build and $720,000 to operate + maintain saving $9,360,000 in construction and over $28,000,000 in O+M funds.