A Computer Simulated Model of a Level II Trauma Facility: The Pediatric Emergency Center of Brackenridge Hospital
Date
1999-12
Authors
Cook, Pamela K.
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Abstract
This research study uses computer simulation to document patient flow and resource utilization of Brackenridge Hospital's Children's Emergency Center. The models documented in this study were developed using MedModel healthcare simulation software version 3.5. A base model representing the Children's Emergency Center was built and tested during the experimental phase of the study.
Scenarios developed in this study incorporated changes in resource levels and examined their impact on the system. The results of experimental Scenario I showed that the Children's Emergency Center would significantly lower resource utilization rates and patient throughput times (p < .05) in the treatment area with the new physician's schedule. This scenario did, however, show a significant increase (p < .05) in the minor emergency clinic waiting and throughput times. Scenario II looked at the effects of adding two additional beds to the treatment area of the Children's Emergency Center. The results did show a significant increase in physician utilization (p < .05), but did not show significant decreases in patient throughput or waiting times (p > .05). Scenario III demonstrated that the addition of a dynamic resource during historically peak patient volume times would significantly decrease the waiting time and throughput time for the patient category that represents the highest volume (p < .05).
The results of this study can be used by system planners to analyze the impact of potential changes to the current operating system and as a tool in the continuous improvement of the Children's Emergency Center operations. The examination of potential system changes and their impact on patient throughput times will directly impact the perceived quality of patient care.
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Keywords
Brackenridge Hospital, pediatric emergency services, computer simulation, hospitals
Citation
Cook, P.K. (1999). A computer simulated model of a level II trauma facility: The pediatric emergency center of Brackenridge Hospital (Unpublished thesis). Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.