Application of Queuing Theory in Optimizing Healthcare Systems: A Case Study of Patient Flow Management

Authors

  • Dr. Jayesh J. Patel Sankalchand Patel Colleg of Engineering, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar Author
  • Dr. D.B. Patel Assistant Professor, College of Renewable Energy & Environmental Engineering, S D Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Dantivada, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/trjtm2024.v04.n04.006

Keywords:

Queuing, Waiting time, Queue, Model, Service rate

Abstract

Healthcare systems face numerous challenges related to patient flow management, which include excessive waiting times, resource misallocation, and inefficient service delivery. Queuing theory, a mathematical framework for analyzing waiting lines, has proven to be a powerful tool in addressing these challenges. This paper examines the application of queuing theory, particularly the M/M/1 model, in optimizing patient flow in healthcare settings. A case study of an emergency department (ED) is used to analyze the impact of patient arrival rates and service rates on system performance. The findings highlight the need for better resource allocation and patient prioritization strategies. Recommendations for improving patient flow through dynamic scheduling and multi-server systems are provided. The paper concludes by emphasizing the role of queuing theory in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems.

References

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Green, L. V., & Kolesar, P. J. (2004). Improving Service in a High-Volume Emergency Department. Operations Research, 52(3), 487-493.

Kumar, A., Sharma, V., & Sharma, R. (2013). Queuing Theory Based Optimization for Patient Flow Management in Outpatient Clinics. Journal of Healthcare Management, 58(6), 407-419.

Lee, C. K., Lee, H. K., & Choi, S. K. (2004). The Application of Queuing Theory to Optimize Emergency Department Performance. Journal of Operations Management, 22(5), 417-432.

Pruitt, R. D., Martinez, S. P., & Lee, J. (2020). Integrating Machine Learning and Queuing Models to Predict Emergency Department Patient Wait Times. Healthcare Analytics, 8(3), 141-153.

Vasilenko, P., & Vasilenko, L. (2017). Application of Queuing Theory in Healthcare Systems: Optimizing Emergency Department Performance. Journal of Operations Research, 35(4), 212-228.

Whitt, W. (1983). Queueing Networks with Time-Varying Input Streams. Operations Research, 31(4), 757-773.

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Published

2024-12-31

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2024): TRJTM

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Patel, J. J., & Patel, D. B. (2024). Application of Queuing Theory in Optimizing Healthcare Systems: A Case Study of Patient Flow Management. TECHNO REVIEW Journal of Technology and Management , 4(4), 41-45. https://doi.org/10.31305/trjtm2024.v04.n04.006